Vitamin C as an Antioxidant: Evaluation of Its Role in Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Chatzistefanou I*

Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Attikon General University Hospital, GRC, Greece

^*Correspondance to: Ioannis Chatzistefanou 

 PDF  Full Text DOI: 10.25107/2474-1647.3738

Abstract

Introduction: Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma (OSCC) is the eighth most frequent cancer worldwide, with an 8-year overall survival rate of 50% to 60%. In OSCC and broader Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma (HNSCC), the sixth most common malignant tumor, oxidative stress plays a pivotal role in the oncogenic process, both as a cause and a result of altered redox metabolism, a state in which Vitamin C (VC) may have an impact. Methods: A systematic review of databases, such as PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar, was performed to investigate the anticancer potential of VC in OSCC. Published research to date has focused on the molecular and biochemical profile, oxidative stress and signaling pathways, clinical results, and adverse effects of VC administration in patients with OSCC. Results: Current evidence illuminates the promising preventive and adjunctive therapeutic capacity of VC in OSCC. Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) increased by VC cause alterations in the tumor microenvironment, DNA damage, ATP reduction, and activation of tumor suppressor genes. Those were translated as an inhibition of xenograft OSCC tumor growth in mice and enhancement of cisplatin-mediated apoptosis. Conclusions: VC demonstrated anticancer activity through ROS recruitment and signaling pathway alterations in OSCC models, necessitating future expansion of this observation in large clinical trials.  

Keywords

Antioxidant; Reactive oxygen species; Anticancer

Cite the article

Chatzistefanou I. Vitamin C as an Antioxidant: Evaluation of Its Role in Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma. Clin Surg. 2026; 10: 3738.