Melatonin and oral squamous cell carcinoma: current knowledge and future perspectives

On the basis of worldwide ranking, oral cancer is the eighth most prevalent cancer. Oral squamous cell carcinoma is a cancer that occurs following dysplasia of the mucosa of the oral cavity and oropharynx. There are different inflammatory pathways involved in the pathophysiology of oral squamous cell carcinoma. Melatonin (N-acetyl-5-methoxytryptamine), a well documented anticancer agent, exhibits numerous functions including induction of apoptotic pathways and controlling of oxidative stress. In the in vivo and in vitro studies the results have demonstrated that melatonin supplementation is an appropriate therapeutic approach for oral squamous cell carcinoma. Melatonin might inhibit cancer cells through the regulation of molecular pathways including AKT/mTOR pathway, ERK/AKT signaling, LSD1 expression and tumor-associated neutrophils releasing. Limited clinical studies; however, have evaluated the role of melatonin in oral squamous cell carcinoma. This review summarizes current knowledge and evidence regarding the effects of melatonin on oral squamous cell carcinoma and the mechanisms involved.