The emerging role of liquid biopsy in oral squamous cell carcinoma detection: advantages and challenges

Introduction Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma (OSCC), the sixth most widespread malignancy in the world, accounts for 90% of all cases of oral cancer. The primary risk factors are tobacco chewing, alcohol consumption, viral infection, and genetic modifications. OSCC has a high morbidity rate due to the lack of early diagnostic methods. Nowadays, liquid biopsy plays a vital role in the initial diagnosis of oral cancer. ctNAs extracted from saliva and serum/plasma offer meaningful insights into tumor genetics and dynamics. The interplay of these elements in saliva and serum/plasma showcases their significance in advancing noninvasive, effective OSCC detection and monitoring.