en Biomarkers (diagnosis & treatment) Biomarkers (diagnosis & treatment) Review Review <p><span style="font-size:12px;">Oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma (OCSCC) is a prevalent malignancy associated with considerable morbidity and mortality. This article offers a comprehensive overview of its major risk factors, molecular characteristics, and emerging therapeutic approaches. Key risk factors include tobacco use, alcohol consumption, and environmental exposures such as air pollution. Viral infections, particularly with Epstein&ndash;Barr Virus (EBV) and high-risk genotypes of Human Papillomaviruses (HPV), are also implicated in OCSCC pathogenesis. At the molecular level, OCSCC is characterized by aberrant expression of growth factors, especially transforming growth factor &alpha; (TGF-&alpha;) and epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR). EGFR overexpression, often due to gene amplification, is closely associated with tumor progression and poor clinical outcomes. These insights into molecular pathways are guiding the development of targeted therapies. Innovative treatments are being explored, including combination therapies such as metformin with 4SC-202, which show promise in reducing tumor cell migration and enhancing chemotherapy sensitivity. Additionally, nanoengineered formulations of cisplatin aim to improve drug delivery specificity and minimize systemic toxicity, offering a more patient-friendly approach. The article emphasizes the need for continued investigation into novel therapeutic strategies and a deeper understanding of the molecular basis of OCSCC to improve treatment outcomes. Future research priorities include the identification of new risk factors, refinement of induction chemotherapy protocols, and incorporation of personalized treatment strategies. Addressing these areas is crucial for advancing prevention, enabling early diagnosis, and improving survival and quality of life for patients with OCSCC. This work supports ongoing progress in oral cancer research and clinical care.</span></p> Oral cavity cancer, Risk factors, Pathways, Molecular, Therapeutic index 928 948 http://ijmcmed.org/browse.php?a_code=A-10-8160-1&slc_lang=en&sid=1 Reza Mahmoudi Anzabi Rezamahmoudi47dnt@gmail.com 100319475328460035492 0009-0005-7114-1999 No Department of Orthodontics, Faculty of Dentistry, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran Amir Hossein Davodpour Davodpour@gmail.com 100319475328460035493 0009-0003-5759-1091 No Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Faculty of Dentistry, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran. Soroush Ghodratizadeh Soroush_gh10@yahoo.com 100319475328460035494 100319475328460035494 No Istanbul Aydin University, Faculty of Dentistry, istanbul,turkey Dorsa Nikeghbal Nikeghbaldorsa@gmail.com 100319475328460035495 0009-0006-1835-006X No Department of Oral & Maxillo Facial Surgery, School of Dentistry, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran Azita Sadeghzade DDS.sadeghzade@gmail.com 100319475328460035496 100319475328460035496 No Oral and Dental Disease Research Center, Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Medicine, School of Dentistry, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran Meysam Mohammadikhah Shahreyar333@gmail.com 100319475328460035497 100319475328460035497 No Assistant Professor, Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, School of Dentistry, Alborz University of Medical Sciences, Karaj, Alborz, Iran. Sajjad Rostamzadeh sajjadrostamzadeh1@gmail.com 100319475328460035498 0009-0005-4980-7926 Yes Department of Orthodontics, Faculty of Dentistry, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.