Abstract
Oral squamous cell carcinoma continues to pose a major clinical challenge, as even the most advanced treatment options are often associated with significant toxicity and poor long-term outcomes. This study investigates the potential of integrating alternative medicine into existing treatment paradigms, addressing the question of whether alternative therapies can enhance patient outcomes in oral cancer treatment.
A non-systematic review was conducted analysing 21 alternative medicines and their efficacy as mainstay treatment, as well as adjuvant therapy for oral squamous cell carcinoma, focusing on their mechanisms of action, current research status, and future clinical applicability. Significant findings revealed that herbal remedies such as curcumin, celastrol, saffron, and quercetin demonstrate multi-targeted effects, including induction of apoptosis, inhibition of tumor proliferation, modulation of inflammatory and immune pathways, epigenetic regulation, and potentially mitigate the adverse effects of standard treatments.
The results indicate that alternative medicine can significantly enhance the efficacy and safety of conventional therapies, supporting a more holistic approach to patient care. However, large scale clinical trials are necessary to establish standard protocols for their use, assess their safety and efficacy, and determine the optimal integration methods. By fostering interdisciplinary collaboration, this study advocates for a comprehensive framework that includes both alternative and conventional medicine in managing oral cancer, ultimately improving patient outcomes and quality of life.