Genetic alterations and clinical dimensions of oral cancer: a review

Oral cancer ranks sixth most prevalent type of cancer worldwide due to its alarming increase every year. Progression of oral cancer depends on various heterogeneity pathways, but their exact mechanism remains unclear. Genetic aberrations on oral cancer cells set back the effectiveness of existing therapies and make it more challenging by triggering drug resistance. To understand the intricate details of oral cancer pathogenesis and for advancing current therapies, genetic modifications are the most promising approach. In this review, we tabulated the information on genetic alterations, microbial associations, aberrant signalling pathways and their clinicopathological characters on the pathogenesis of oral cancer. We primarily discussed the pitfalls of the current treatment regimen and its associated drug resistance pattern, which will provide a clear insight into developing new drugs. We also highlighted the genetic-molecular targets with their current clinical status on drug development and its outcome.