Saliva-based Epigenetic Biomarkers to Diagnose Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma and Monitor Surgery Effects

What this Trial Is About

This research aims to improve the diagnosis of oral squamous cell carcinoma OSCC, a type of head and neck cancer affecting the mouth. OSCC is linked mainly to tobacco and alcohol use and has a low five-year survival rate of about 60%. Early detection is challenging, especially when oral premalignant lesions are present. The study focuses on identifying saliva-based DNA methylation markers that could help detect OSCC more precisely and support personalized treatment approaches. The study will analyze saliva samples from 30 OSCC patients scheduled for primary surgical removal of their tumors and compare their DNA methylation profiles with those of control participants without head and neck cancer. Saliva samples will be collected before surgery and again about four weeks after surgery for the OSCC patients to observe changes in the epigenetic markers. Researchers will focus on a signature of four specific genes whose methylation is linked to cancer cells, identified through advanced genetic analyses. Participants will provide saliva samples during routine hospital visits. The study will measure the percentage of methylated genes in both OSCC patients and controls over one year. This includes assessing changes before and after surgery in the patient group. The research involves monitoring DNA methylation patterns to evaluate their potential as diagnostic biomarkers, aiming ultimately to enhance early OSCC detection and treatment monitoring.

Epigenetic Biomarkers in the Saliva for the Diagnosis of Squamous Cells Carcinoma of the Oral Cavity