Work

Comparison of saliva and blood derived cell free RNAs for detecting oral squamous cell carcinoma

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is one of the most prevalent cancer types around the world. Although OSCC can be diagnosed or monitored through tissue biopsy, this invasive procedure could cause considerable pain and discomfort to patients. As a preferable alternative, liquid biopsy offers less invasive diagnostics. In our study to enhance OSCC detection, we analyzed cell-free RNA (cfRNA) transcriptomes (mRNA, lncRNA) from blood (plasma) and saliva samples of individuals in three groups: OSCC group, oral benign tumor group, and a normal control group. Our transcriptomic profiling revealed that in the saliva group, CLEC2B was notably upregulated in the OSCC group compared to others, while DAZL, F9, and AC008735.2 were markedly downregulated. However, no OSCC-specific RNAs were identified in the blood (plasma) samples. Furthermore, OSCC group showed a higher neutrophil infiltration and lower B cells, CD4 + T cells (non-regulatory) and regulatory T cell (Tregs) infiltration in oral saliva environment when compared to the control groups. This study suggests that saliva might be a better liquid biopsy medium over blood (plasma) for cfRNA on detecting OSCC. CLEC2B, DAZL, F9, and AC008735.2 in saliva may serve as potential diagnostic liquid biomarkers for OSCC, warranting further investigation.

Source: Scientific Reports

DOI: 10.1038/s41598-025-88472-9

Authors: Yuan Hu, Manbin Xu, Muyuan Liu, Hanwei Peng

Institutions: Cancer Hospital of Shantou University Medical College, Shantou University Medical College

Language: English

Topic: Head and Neck Cancer Studies

Subfield: Otorhinolaryngology

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,690