Pioneering of New Generation Therapies for Oral Cancer Involves the Integration of Small Molecules, Nanotechnology, and Artificial Intelligence - A Review

Oral cancer remains a significant global health challenge, characterized by high morbidity, poor survival rates, and a tendency for late-stage diagnosis. Although conventional treatment modalities—namely surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy— are partially effective, they are frequently accompanied by substantial functional and aesthetic morbidity, therapeutic resistance, and limited long-term efficacy. In light of these limitations, a paradigm shift is underway in the therapeutic landscape of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). This shift is driven by three converging innovations: small molecule inhibitors, nanotechnology-based targeted drug delivery systems, and artificial intelligence (AI)-enabled diagnostic and prognostic tools. This review provides a comprehensive synthesis of recent preclinical and clinical advancements in these areas, emphasizing their underlying mechanisms, therapeutic benefits, and potential for synergy. Small molecule therapies modulate oncogenic signaling cascades in a pathway-specific manner, while nanocarrier platforms deliver cytotoxic and immunomodulatory agents precisely and locally, thereby reducing systemic toxicity. Concurrently, AI-driven models are transforming early detection, risk stratification, and outcome prediction by leveraging high-throughput omics data and imaging analytics. Together, these transformative technologies represent a significant advancement in precision oncology and underscore the importance of translating laboratory innovations into clinical applications. This review critically evaluates these emerging strategies, highlighting the potential of an interdisciplinary approach to redefine therapeutic standards and overcome long-standing clinical challenges in oral cancer management.