CX3CL1 and neoplasm: In this review, we systematically summarize research advancements on chemokines in OSCC, elucidating their molecular mechanisms in tumor initiation and progression with a focus on the dualistic roles of key chemokine families (e.g., CCL2/5/20/19/21, CXCL1/8/12, CX3CL1) in regulating immune responses, tumor-stroma interactions, vascular remodeling, and chemotherapy resistance.