Clinical Biomarkers in Otolaryngology—Head and Neck Surgery

Objective The purpose of this paper is to review the literature and compile promising and clinically relevant biomarkers in otolaryngology—head & neck surgery not related to autoimmune disorders.Study Design Narrative review.Methods PubMed and Google Scholar were queried using combined key words such as “biomarkers” and “otolaryngology.” Additional queries were made with combined key words such as “biomarkers” and a particular subspecialty such as “rhinology” or “otology” to maximize yield of relevant titles. Subsequently, specific biomarkers identified, such as “beta-2 transferrin,” were used as key words. Relevant titles were reviewed and selected for abstract review. Applicable abstracts were then selected for review of the full text.Results Biomarkers currently in clinical use within the field of otolaryngology were included in this review. The compiled biomarkers were then detailed individually regarding their molecular characteristics, function, and clinical significance.Conclusions The number of biomarkers in use in otolaryngology is rapidly expanding representing a new diagnostic modality for our field. This review defines the key biomarkers that are currently or likely to be soon translated into clinical use within the field of otolaryngology. The majority of these biomarkers are in the form of proteins such as beta-2 transferrin, thyroglobulin, and P16. Given their growing impact on diagnosis, management and surveillance of otolaryngologic disorders periodic surveys are needed for education and to guide further advances and applications of otolaryngologic biomarkers.