Analysis of Saliva Provides Early Evidence of Oral Cancer

A fibrous protein molecule known as cytokeratin 8 (CK8) in saliva is a potential cellular marker of premalignant changes in oral epithelial cells and of increased risk of cancer development.

Saliva samples were collected from eight subjects with oral cancer or a history of abnormal oral lesions and five healthy controls. Participants brushed and rinsed with saline before providing the saliva sample containing cheek cells. Results showed that the percentage of cells with cytokeratin 8 was significantly higher in the cancer/abnormal samples than in samples from the normal controls.

Jennifer Frustino, a predoctoral student at the University at Buffalo School of Dental Medicine (Buffalo, NY, USA) and first author on the study, said that cytokeratin "has emerged recently as a potential cellular marker of premalignant changes in oral epithelial cells and of increased risk of cancer development. These markers are especially useful because they are abundant, stable, and easily stained and detected. Cytokeratin 8 expression is closely related to abnormalities of epithelial cells and shows a positive correlation with the development of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma.”

"This is the first study that detects CK8 as a biomarker through an easy collection method and simple analysis. The study is continuing and the results remain promising as more patients are enrolled.” concluded Ms. Faustino.

The preliminary study was conducted by investigators from the University of Buffalo, Roswell Park Cancer Institute (Buffalo, NY, USA) and Tufts University (Boston, MA, USAResults of the study were presented on April 4, 2008, at a poster session at the 2008 American Academy of Dental Research in Dallas (Texas, USA).


Related Links:
University at Buffalo School of Dental Medicine
Roswell Park Cancer Institute
Tufts University