P53 gene – A salivary biomarker in Oral cancer detection.

Abstract

Oral cancer remains a major global health burden, with late-stage diagnosis contributing significantly to poor prognosis and high mortality. The identification of reliable, non-invasive biomarkers is crucial for early detection and improved patient outcomes. Among molecular markers, the tumor suppressor gene p53 has emerged as a pivotal candidate due to its central role in regulating cell cycle, apoptosis, and genomic stability. Mutations or altered expression of p53 are frequently observed in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC), making it a promising diagnostic and prognostic indicator. Saliva, as a diagnostic fluid, offers unique advantages: it is easily accessible, non-invasive, and contains a wide array of molecular constituents reflective of systemic and local pathological changes. Recent advances in salivary diagnostics have demonstrated that p53 mutations and protein alterations can be detected in saliva samples of oral cancer patients, correlating with disease progression and severity. The integration of salivary p53 analysis into clinical practice could revolutionize oral cancer screening by enabling early detection, monitoring therapeutic response, and predicting recurrence risk. Furthermore, salivary-based assays are cost-effective and patient-friendly, enhancing their applicability in large-scale population screening programs. This abstract highlights the potential of p53 as a salivary biomarker, emphasizing its clinical relevance in oral cancer detection and the transformative impact of saliva-based molecular diagnostics in oncology.