mRNA Biomarkers for Detection of Oral Squamous Cell Cancer

Objectives: Cancer is one of the main causes of death in the world. Changes in the expression of CK19 and CEA genes in peripheral blood of OSCC patients were examined for early diagnosis. Methodology: The participants were 36 patients and 36 normal individuals. CK19 and CEA of blood serum were measured through Real-Time PCR. The relationship of the biomarkers with tumor staging and cancer development was examined. Results: Comparison of the two groups of participants using t-test indicated no significant difference in terms of mean age. CK19 marker was positive in 19 participants of the patient’s group (n=36), which meant the sensitivity of the marker was 53%. In addition, the marker was positive in eight participants of the normal group (n=36). CEA marker was positive in 26 participants of the patient’s group (n=36), which meant the sensitivity of the marker was 72%. Moreover, the marker was positive in 11 participants in the normal group (n=36). Conclusion: In general, the study introduced a screening test for early diagnosis of OSCC. To have evidence with more reliability, future studies should be carried out with larger sample groups. Keywords: Oral squamous cells carcinoma- early diagnosis- CK19- CEA