Simple SummaryHemidesmosomes are junctional complexes that contribute to the attachment of epithelial cells to the underlying basement membrane. Importantly, detachment from the basement membrane, migration and invasion through the connective tissues represent early steps in oral carcinogenesis. Therefore, it is possible that these processes involve alterations of hemidesmosomes. The results of our systematic review provide evidence that oral potentially malignant disorders and oral cancer are associated with structural and molecular modifications of hemidesmosomes. We conclude that these cell adhesion structures represent potential candidates for use as biomarkers.AbstractBackground: Oral cancers have limited diagnostic tools to aid clinical management. Current evidence indicates that alterations in hemidesmosomes, the adhesion complexes primarily involved in epithelial attachment to the basement membrane, are correlated to cancer phenotype for multiple cancers. This systematic review aimed to assess the experimental evidence for hemidesmosomal alterations, specifically in relation to oral potentially malignant disorders and oral squamous cell carcinomas. Methods: We conducted a systemic review to summarise the available literature on hemidesmosomal components and their role in oral pre-cancer and cancer. Relevant studies were retrieved from a comprehensive search of Scopus, Ovid MEDLINE, Ovid Embase and Web of Science. Results: 26 articles met the inclusion criteria, of which 19 were in vitro studies, 4 in vivo studies, 1 in vitro and in vivo study, and 2 in vitro and cohort studies. Among them, 15 studies discussed individual alpha-6 and/or beta-4 subunits, 12 studies discussed the alpha-6 beta-4 heterodimers, 6 studies discussed the entire hemidesmosome complex, 5 studies discussed bullous pemphigoid-180, 3 studies discussed plectin, 3 studies discussed bullous pemphigoid antigen-1 and 1 study discussed tetraspanin. Conclusion: Heterogeneity in cell type, experimental models, and methods were observed. Alterations in hemidesmosomal components were shown to contribute to oral pre-cancer and cancer. We conclude that there is sufficient evidence for hemidesmosomes and their components to be potential biomarkers for evaluating oral carcinogenesis.