The role of non‐coding RNAs in drug resistance of oral squamous cell carcinoma and therapeutic potential

Abstract

Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC), the eighth most prevalent cancer in the world, arises from the interaction of multiple factors including tobacco, alcohol consumption, and betel quid. Chemotherapeutic agents such as cisplatin, 5‐fluorouracil, and paclitaxel have now become the first‐line options for OSCC patients. Nevertheless, most OSCC patients eventually acquire drug resistance, leading to poor prognosis. With the discovery and identification of non‐coding RNAs (ncRNAs), the functions of dysregulated ncRNAs in OSCC development and drug resistance are gradually being widely recognized. The mechanisms of drug resistance of OSCC are intricate and involve drug efflux, epithelial‐mesenchymal transition, DNA damage repair, and autophagy. At present, strategies to explore the reversal of drug resistance of OSCC need to be urgently developed. Nano‐delivery and self‐cellular drug delivery platforms are considered as effective strategies to overcome drug resistance due to their tumor targeting, controlled release, and consistent pharmacokinetic profiles. In particular, the combined application of new technologies (including CRISPR systems) opened up new horizons for the treatment of drug resistance of OSCC. Hence, this review explored emerging regulatory functions of ncRNAs in drug resistance of OSCC, elucidated multiple ncRNA‐meditated mechanisms of drug resistance of OSCC, and discussed the potential value of drug delivery platforms using nanoparticles and self‐cells as carriers in drug resistance of OSCC.

Anlotinib Suppresses Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma Growth and Metastasis by Targeting the RAS Protein to Inhibit the PI3K/Akt Signalling Pathway

“…Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is the eighth most prevalent cancer in the world [ 16 ]. Heterogeneous tumors account for approximately 40% of head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCCs), including the tongue, upper and lower gums, oral base, and maxillary and buccal mucosa.…”

“…Heterogeneous tumors account for approximately 40% of head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCCs), including the tongue, upper and lower gums, oral base, and maxillary and buccal mucosa. OSCC is caused by the interaction of multiple factors, including tobacco, alcohol, and betel nut [ 16 ]. Since the early diagnosis rate is low, most patients are diagnosed in the late stage.…”

“…At present, the treatment of advanced OSCC mainly includes surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, or a combination of these methods. Cisplatin, 5-fluorouracil, paclitaxel, and other chemotherapy drugs have become the first-line choice for OSCC patients [ 16 ]. However, most OSCC patients eventually develop drug resistance, leading to poor prognoses.…”

Comprehensive Analysis of the Effects of Genetic Ancestry and Genetic Characteristics on the Clinical Evolution of Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma

“…OSCC refers to a group of heterogeneous tumors originating from the mucosal lining ( Meng et al, 2021 ). Most of these tumors are associated with lifestyle factors, such as smoking, excessive drinking, and betel nut chewing ( Adil et al, 2021 ; Weiße et al, 2021 ).…”

Long Non-Coding RNA (lncRNA) in Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma: Biological Function and Clinical Application

“…However, cisplatin-resistance is a headache in chemotherapy, resulting in tumor relapse and poor prognosis [ 53 ]. Emerging evidence showed that lncRNAs may function as vital regulators of chemoresistance in OSCC [ 17 , 106 ]. For instance, the upregulation of HOXA11-AS significantly increased resistance to cisplatin and tumor cell growth, and the knockdown of HOMA11-AS markedly enhanced CDDP-mediated tumor inhibition in vivo [ 53 ].…”