Biomarcadores salivares no diagnóstico e prognóstico do carcinoma espinocelular: uma revisão integrativa

Abstract

Introduction: Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) accounts for 90% of all oral cancers and has a high cure rate if diagnosed early. However, due to the asymptomatic nature of the disease, early diagnosis is difficult. Recently, alternative diagnostic methods have emerged, such as the analysis of biomarkers present in saliva. Many studies have been dedicated to the search for several salivary biomarkers associated with OSCC, such as circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA), MicroRNAs (miR-125, miR-21, miR-145, among others). Other studies have also found a relationship between the overexpression of cytokines in patients with OSCC, such as IL-6, IL-8 and TNF-y. Objective: To analyze the scientific evidence available in the literature on the use of salivary biomarkers in the diagnosis and prognosis of OSCC. Methodology: This is an integrative review of the literature. The articles were selected from the National Library of Medicine (PubMed) and Scientific Electronic Library Online (SciELO) databases, using the descriptors “salivary biomarkers” AND “squamous cell carcinoma” AND “diagnosis” AND “prognosis”, considering publications between 2014 and 2024. Initially, 82 articles were found. Results: After analysis, articles that addressed HNSCC superficially and/or did not present a concise description of the biomarkers were excluded, and 12 articles were selected. Conclusion: All studies reinforced the practicality and non-invasive approach of using saliva in liquid biopsy for diagnostic analysis, and that there is evidence to refute the use of salivary biomarkers in the diagnosis and prognosis of HNSCC, however, the need for further research on the subject was suggested, in order to refine diagnostic tests with materials more sensitive to biomarkers.