Microbial Dysbiosis and Immunopathogenesis of Oral Microbiome in the Development and Progression of Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma: Systematic Review

Role of Oral Microbiome in Oral Cancer

Abstract

Objective: The purpose of this review is to evaluate the specific bacterial species and their association with oral cancer, particularly in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC).

Methodology: A literature search was done through PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases, and data were extracted according to inclusion criteria. Original studies of 20 articles were included in this review.

Results: A total of 20 articles and 961 samples were included in this review. The mean age was 60.12 ± 7.63, with a significantly higher male predilection (M: F – 2:1) ratio. 16S rRNA sequencing was found to be the most commonly used detection method. Alteration in the oral microbiome was seen with varying degrees of epithelial dysplasia, early & late stages of oral cancer. In OSCC patients, there was an increased abundance of specific microbiomes like Fusobacterium species, Porphyromonas gingivalis, and Prevotella compared to other species.

Conclusion: From this systematic review, it has been found that the changes in diversity of oral microbiome in cancerous patients than that of healthy patients. In OSCC there is an increased abundance of specific species such as Fusobacterium species, Porphyromonas gingivalis, and Prevotella species.