The role of the oral microbiome in the diagnosis and prognosis of tumors of the oral cavity

Abstract

Despite advancement in tumors treatment, oral cancer has a poor prognosis and is often detected at late stage. Recent advancement in metagenomic technologies may be useful in identifying oral tumors–related microbiome, their genomes, virulence properties, and their interaction with host immunity. Alteration in the oral commensal microbial communities have potential application as a diagnostic tool to predict oral tumors. To develop highly precise and effective therapeutic approaches, identification of specific oral microbiomes may be required. In this review, we narrate the role of microbiome in the progression of oral tumors and its role as an early diagnostic and prognostic biomarker for oral tumors.