Research progress on carcinogenic factors and personalized treatment of oral cancer

Oral cancer, particularly oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC), represents a significant global health burden, with notably high incidence in regions such as South and Southeast Asia. In China, both the incidence and mortality of oral cancer have been steadily rising, posing a growing threat to public health. Despite the identification of major risk factors—including tobacco use, alcohol consumption, betel quid chewing, and high-risk human papillomavirus (HPV) infection—the disease often remains asymptomatic in its early stages, leading to delayed diagnosis and poor prognosis. These clinical challenges are closely linked to the complex molecular pathogenesis of OSCC, involving genetic alterations, epigenetic dysregulation, tumor microenvironment remodeling, and immune evasion. Recent advances in multi-omics profiling, liquid biopsy, and immunotherapeutic strategies offer promising avenues for early detection, accurate staging, and personalized treatment. This review synthesizes cutting-edge research from both domestic and international scholars, focusing on the interplay between carcinogenic exposures, molecular mechanisms, and emerging therapeutic paradigms, thereby providing a comprehensive reference for future studies in oral cancer prevention and precision oncology.