ABSTRACT
The quest for candidate biomarkers to enhance our understanding of cancer biology and improve early detection and therapeutic monitoring approaches is multifaceted. Various approaches have been employed, targeting tumor cells, the tumor microenvironment, adjacent tissue, and pharmaceutical or therapeutic agent metabolism. Salivary biomarkers have gained prominence due to their practical and noninvasive sample collection methods, offering potential in disease monitoring, therapeutic response assessment, and noninvasive oral cancer identification.
Despite the growing interest in salivary constituents as potential oral cancer biomarkers, challenges persist. These include the standardization of saliva sample collection, improved sample processing and storage, and addressing the substantial diversity among malignant and noncancerous individuals. Several proteomic and mRNA biomarkers have shown strong associations with late-stage oral squamous cell carcinoma. These biomarkers, including interleukin 1b (IL-1B), interleukin-8 (IL-8), and M2BP, offer promise for enhancing early detection and prognostication.
A variety of molecular techniques, including microarray technology, quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR), and nanotechnology-based point-of-care platforms, have been instrumental in biomarker discovery. Microarray technology enables the examination of gene expression profiles, while qPCR quantifies mRNA levels. Emerging technologies like the oral fluid nanosensor test offer rapid and cost-effective detection of multiple biomarkers.
Furthermore, biomarker research must adhere to rigorous protocols for reporting and evaluation. Guidelines such as BRISQ, REMARK, STARD, and MIAME ensure transparent and organized reporting of pre-analytical and analytical issues. The tumor marker utility grading system provides a standardized approach to evaluate biomarker clinical utility, emphasizing the importance of prospective clinical studies.
In conclusion, the search for oral cancer biomarkers has made significant strides, with salivary biomarkers holding promise for noninvasive diagnostics. Advanced technologies, coupled with standardized reporting protocols, offer a path toward early detection, improved patient care, and better outcomes in oral cancer management. Biosensors and bioelectronic platforms are emerging as powerful tools in the detection of these biomarkers, potentially revolutionizing the field of oral cancer diagnosis and monitoring.
