Background: Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is one of the most prevalent cancers worldwide. Despite recent advances in diagnosis and treatment, in recent years, an increase in the incidence of OSCC has been registered, and the mortality rate is still high. This systematic review aims to identify a potential association between the composition of salivary microbiota and OSCC. Materials and Methods: The protocol for this study was designed following the PRISMA guidelines. Records were identified using different search engines (e.g., Medline/PubMed). Observational studies, in human subjects with histological diagnosis of OSCC, concerning the analysis of salivary microbiota, were selected. Results: Eleven papers were included. The salivary microbiomes of 1335 patients were analysed (n.687 OSCC and n.648 controls). Due to the great heterogeneity of the studies, it was not possible to profile a specific microbiota associated with OSCC. However, periodontal pathogens were the most common bacteria detected in patients with OSCC (i.e., Fusobacterium, Prevotella). Conclusions: Although there are evident alterations in the salivary microbiota composition in OSCC patients, it is still a challenge to identify a specific microbiota pattern in OSCC patients. If the associations between specific salivary microorganisms and OSCC are confirmed, microbiome analysis could be a useful tool for the screening and follow-up of patients affected by OSCC.

Background: Advancements in DNA sequencing technology have facilitated the assessment of the connection between the oral microbiome and various diseases. The aim of the present study was to investigate the salivary microbiota composition employing for the first time in the literature the Oxford Nanopore Technology in patients affected by oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). Methods: Unstimulated saliva samples of 31 patients were collected (24 OSCC patients and 7 controls). DNA was extracted using the QIAamp DNA Blood Kit and metagenomic long sequencing reads were performed using the MinION device. Results: In the OSCC group, 13 were males and 11 were females, with a mean age of 65.5 ± 13.9 years; in the control group, 5 were males and 2 were females, with a mean age of 51.4 ± 19.2 years. The border of the tongue was the most affected OSCC site. The microorganisms predominantly detected in OSCC patients were Prevotella, Chlamydia, Tissierellia, Calothrix, Leotiomycetes, Firmicutes and Zetaproteobacteria. Conclusions: This study confirmed the predominance of periodontopathic bacteria in the salivary microbiome in the OSCC group. If a direct correlation between oral dysbiosis and OSCC onset was proven, it could lead to new prevention strategies and early diagnostic tools.

Background: Tumor‐stroma ratio (TSR) has been recognized as a significant prognostic factor in various cancers. This systematic review evaluates the role of TSR in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) and its association with patient outcomes such as overall survival (OS), disease‐free survival (DFS), disease‐specific survival (DSS), and lymph node metastasis (LNM).Methods: A comprehensive search was conducted across Scopus, Embase, PubMed, and Web of Science. Nineteen studies were included. Data extraction and quality assessment were performed progressively, with meta‐analyses. All studies assessed TSR using hematoxylin and eosin staining of tissue samples. The meta‐analyses focused on the impact of TSR on OS, DFS, DSS, and LNM, providing pooled hazard ratios (HRs) and odds ratios (ORs) with corresponding confidence intervals (CIs).Results: Meta‐analysis revealed a significant association between TSR and OS (HR 1.99, 95% CI 1.71–2.32, p < 0.001), DFS (HR 2.07, 95% CI 1.80–2.39, p < 0.001), DSS (HR 2.33, 95% CI 1.95–2.78, p < 0.001), and LNM (OR 1.76, 95% CI 1.15–2.70, p = 0.01). Minimal to low heterogeneity was detected among studies, and no publication bias was observed.Conclusions: TSR can effectively identify high‐risk patients, being a reliable prognostic marker that could be readily integrated into routine pathology practice for HNSCC.

Introduction: Medication-related osteonecrosis of the Jaw (MRONJ) is an adverse drug reaction that affects the mandible and maxilla of patients exposed to BMA and AA therapies, causing the progressive destruction and death of bone. To date, oral health preventive measures remain the most effective strategy to reduce MRONJ incidence, and, in this sense, the major goal is to diagnose, treat, and eradicate any oral diseases that could compromise oral health. The present systematic review aims to investigate the awareness of MRONJ among patients assuming BMAs.Methods: A systematic literature search was performed, selecting studies that concern the awareness of patients of the risk of MRONJ.Results: Six studies were included in this review. In total, 483 patients were evaluated. Of the 483 included patients, 391 were not aware of the possibility of MRONJ onset (391/483, 81%) and 92 were aware of it (92/483, 19%).Discussion: The problem of patient's lack of awareness with respect to MRONJ risk presents different layers of complexity (“what?”, “who?”, “where?”, “when?” and “why?”). Among its causal factors, there are an inadequate level of communication with patients and the lack of collaboration between healthcare professionals, which is related to an individualistic view of liability and deontological duties. MRONJ is a drug adverse reaction that can greatly affect the quality of life of patients if not promptly diagnosed and treated. Therefore, patients must be fully aware of the risks of adverse and the importance of preventive measures, which imply effective and exhaustive communication by each member of the multidisciplinary team. Effective teamwork and collaborative care should be promoted to positively impact patients' awareness.

Background: Oral lichen planus (OLP) and recurrent aphthous stomatitis (RAS) are considered the most painful oral inflammatory diseases, with high global prevalence and significant impacts on patients' quality of life. In the last decades, researchers have been exploring mucoadhesive drug delivery systems (MDDS) to improve drugs safety and efficacy through optimized formulations for enhancing patients compliance while addressing the limitations of semisolid products. Objective: To assess the clinical efficacy of different MDDS (e.g., tablets, films, and patches) in treating OLP or RAS by a revision of the literature. Methods: According to PRISMA guidelines, the study assessed the remission of signs and symptoms in terms of decreasing burning sensation, pain severity, and lesion size. The protocol was registered on the PROSPERO database (CRD42024603173) and records identified by Medline/PubMed/Scopus. Results: Thirteen observational studies involving humans affected by OLP or RAS were included. The absence of standardized therapies in terms of MDDS, drug, and dosing regimen was highlighted. All MDDS offered several benefits, including prolonged drug release, protection from mechanical irritation, and pain and inflammation reduction. MDDS improved patients' adherence by minimizing daily applications and systemic side effects. Conclusions: MDDS may represent a promising option for both OLP and RAS treatments, addressing key limitations of traditional formulations.