Potenzielle Biomarker für nicht-invasive OSCC-Diagnostik und Therapiekontrolle

1.Introduction Head and neck tumors, particularly oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC), are a global health challenge. OSCC accounts for over 90% of all oral malignancies with 300,000 new cases annually. Currently, OSCC diagnosis relies on invasive tissue biopsies followed by histopathology. This process can cause patient discomfort, and carries risks such as infection. Recently, non-invasive diagnostic methods, like liquid biopsies from saliva or cytology-based analyses from swabs, have gained interest. This project aims to use non-invasive samples for molecular diagnostics, seeking reliable biomarkers for OSCC.

3.Methods We collected oral swab samples and serum from patients for RNA analysis. To analyze serum protein content, liquid chromatography in combination with mass spectrometry (MS) was used. For swab samples, we developed a protocol for mRNA isolation, generating RNA-Seq data to identify biomarkers in OSCC swab samples, which were validated by qPCR on a bigger cohort.

4.Results Q-PCR validation and multivariate analyses enabled differentiation between OSCC patients and healthy individuals. The combination of SFN, c-JUN, and HSP90AB1 genes, lead to a diagnostic accuracy of 0.91 (AUC). MS of serum results in identifying up to 250 proteins. Comparison of tumor and control groups revealed protein profile differences of upregulated proteins between men and women.

5.Discussion Some of the markers are also associated with other types of cancer, suggesting a broader diagnostic significance. Our results demonstrate a way to identify mRNA-and protein-based biomarkers with potential for diagnosis. This approach could optimize OSCC diagnostics, hence improve patient care and minimize diagnostic risks.

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