Potential of saliva as a non-invasive tool for the early detection of oral cancer: public health implications in the uruguayan population

Abstract

OBJECTIVES: This study aims to identify salivary molecular biomarkers associated with metabolic reprogramming during the progression of oral potentially malignant disorders (OPMDs) to oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC), with the goal of contributing to early diagnosis, risk stratification, and clinical monitoring within the context of Uruguay’s public health system.

METHODS: The study will include patients with a histopathological diagnosis of OPMDs and OSCC, as well as healthy controls and individuals with risk factors but no clinical lesions. Saliva samples will be collected through lingual scraping and unstimulated whole saliva. Molecular and biochemical analyses will be performed to assess the expression of key genes and proteins involved in metabolic reprogramming (GLUT1, LDH-A, PGC-1α, HIF1α), along with the evaluation of epigenetic alterations and polymorphisms in regulatory microRNAs.

EXPECTED RESULTS: It is expected that differential metabolic profiles in saliva will be identified across the stages of oral carcinogenesis, revealing specific molecular patterns associated with malignant progression. These findings may support the validation of non-invasive salivary biomarkers as an accessible and effective tool for early detection of OSCC, with potential application in population-based screening and clinical follow-up. Moreover, the study aims to generate local scientific evidence to strengthen the public health response to oral cancer in Uruguay.