The role of liquid biopsy in oral squamous cell carcinoma and oral potentially malignant disorders

Abstract

Background: Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is a common malignancy of the head and neck region and a major cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. It is associated with a poor survival rate for late-stage disease, and a high rate of reoccurrence. OSCC commonly develops from oral potentially malignant disorders (OPMD), such as oral leukoplakia, and is commonly attributed to smoking, alcohol, betel nut chewing, HPV infection and other environmental factors. Currently, there are limited screening strategies in place to detect OPMD lesions, especially those with an increased likelihood of malignant transformation to OSCC. Liquid biopsy is an emerging option for detection of cancers as it is minimally invasive and can provide accurate information about cancers. Circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA), circulating tumor cells (CTCs) and microRNAs are present in multiple body fluids such as saliva and plasma, and are very promising biomarkers for cancer detection, treatment planning and disease monitoring for.