The Oral Microbiome and Its Link to Oral Cancer: Exploring the Role of Infectious Agents

A special issue of Cancers (ISSN 2072-6694). This special issue belongs to the section "Infectious Agents and Cancer".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 March 2026 | Viewed by 2706

Special Issue Editor


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Guest Editor
Hiroshima University Hospital, Ctr Oral Clin Examinat, Hiroshima 7348553, Japan
Interests: cancer; metastasis; vitamind; angiogenesis; HBp17

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

We are delighted to announce the call for submissions to a Special Issue of Cancers focusing on the topic "The Oral Microbiome and Its Link to Oral Cancer: Exploring the Role of Infectious Agents". Oral cancer is a significant global health concern, and emerging evidence suggests that the oral microbiome and infectious agents play a crucial role in its development and progression. 

This Special Issue aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the relationship between the oral microbiome and oral cancer, with a specific focus on the involvement of infectious agents. We invite the submission of original research articles and reviews that cover various aspects of this field, including, but not limited to, the following: 

  1. Microbial dysbiosis and oral carcinogenesis;
  2. Identification and characterization of oral cancer-associated pathogens;
  3. Mechanisms of interaction between infectious agents and the oral microenvironment;
  4. Immune response and host–microbe interactions in oral cancer;
  5. Diagnostic and prognostic markers related to the oral microbiome in oral cancer. 

All submitted articles will undergo a rigorous peer review process to ensure the highest scientific quality and relevance to this field. We encourage contributions from researchers, clinicians, and experts in the fields of oral health, oncology, and microbiology. 

By consolidating the latest research findings and clinical insights, we aim to enhance our understanding of the complex interplay between the oral microbiome, infectious agents, and oral cancer. Furthermore, we hope to identify potential targets for preventive and therapeutic interventions in this multifaceted disease. 

Should you have any questions, require further information, or need any assistance, please do not hesitate to reach out to us. We are here to support and facilitate your participation in this Special Issue. 

Thank you for your attention to this matter, and we eagerly anticipate your valuable contributions. 

Dr. Tomoaki Shintani
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Cancers is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2900 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • oral microbiome
  • oral cancer
  • infectious agents
  • microbial dysbiosis
  • host–microbe interactions

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Published Papers (1 paper)

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Review

23 pages, 2868 KiB  
Review
The Intersection of the Oral Microbiome and Salivary Metabolites in Head and Neck Cancer: From Diagnosis to Treatment
by Maria Gonzalez Agurto, Nicolas Olivares, Gisela Canedo-Marroquin, Daniela Espinoza and Sofia C. Tortora
Cancers 2024, 16(20), 3545; https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers16203545 - 21 Oct 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2303
Abstract
Head and neck cancers (HNCs) are the seventh most common cancer worldwide, accounting for 4–5% of all malignancies. Salivary metabolites, which serve as key metabolic intermediates and cell-signalling molecules, are emerging as potential diagnostic biomarkers for HNC. While current research has largely concentrated [...] Read more.
Head and neck cancers (HNCs) are the seventh most common cancer worldwide, accounting for 4–5% of all malignancies. Salivary metabolites, which serve as key metabolic intermediates and cell-signalling molecules, are emerging as potential diagnostic biomarkers for HNC. While current research has largely concentrated on these metabolites as biomarkers, a critical gap remains in understanding their fluctuations before and after treatment, as well as their involvement in oral side effects. Recent studies emphasise the role of the oral microbiome and its metabolic activity in cancer progression and treatment efficacy by bacterial metabolites and virulence factors. Oral bacteria, such as P. gingivalis and F. nucleatum, contribute to a pro-inflammatory environment that promotes tumour growth. Additionally, F. nucleatum enhances its virulence through flagellar assembly and iron transport mechanisms, facilitating tumour invasion and survival. Moreover, alterations in the oral microbiome can influence chemotherapy efficacy and toxicity through the microbiota–host irinotecan axis, highlighting the complex interplay between microbial communities and therapeutic outcomes. Salivary metabolite profiles are influenced by factors such as gender, methods, and patient habits like smoking—a major risk factor for HNC. Radiotherapy (RT), a key treatment for HNC, often causes side effects such as xerostomia, oral mucositis, and swallowing difficulties which impact survivors’ quality of life. Intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) aims to improve treatment outcomes and minimise side effects but can still lead to significant salivary gland dysfunction and associated complications. This review underscores the microbial and host interactions affecting salivary metabolites and their implications for cancer treatment and patient outcomes. Full article
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