Molecular Crosstalk and Therapeutic Synergy: Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors and Cannabidiol in Oral Cancer Treatment

Abstract

Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is the sixth most common malignancy worldwide, with oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) accounting for a significant portion of cases. Despite advancements in treatment, only modest gains have been made in HNSCC/OSCC control. Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) have emerged as targeted therapies for OSCC in clinical trials. However, their clinical efficacy remains a challenge. Cannabidiol (CBD), a non-psychoactive phytochemical from cannabis, has demonstrated anticancer and immunomodulatory properties. CBD induces apoptosis and autophagy and modulates signaling pathways often dysregulated in HNSCC. This review summarizes the molecular mechanisms of EGFR-TKIs and CBD and their clinical insights and further discusses potential implications of combination targeted therapies.