Genetic cross-talk in oral cancer pathogenesis: The role of horizontal gene transfer in the OSCC microbiome

Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma (OSCC) is a prevalent malignancy associated with significant morbidity and mortality. The complex interplay between microbial communities in the oral cavity and OSCC has gained increasing attention, particularly regarding the role of microbial gene transfer and the emergence of antibiotic resistance. This review explores the mechanisms of microbial gene transfer, including horizontal gene transfer (HGT), within the oral microbiome of OSCC patients, and how these processes contribute to the development and dissemination of antibiotic resistance. This review examines the impact of antibiotic resistance on treatment outcomes in OSCC, with a focus on the clinical implications of persistent infections that resist conventional antibiotics. Key challenges in managing antibiotic resistance in OSCC patients are highlighted, underscoring the need for innovative therapeutic strategies to address these obstacles. Understanding the dynamics of microbial gene transfer and antibiotic resistance within the OSCC context could pave the way for more effective management and treatment approaches, ultimately enhancing patient prognosis.