Diagnostic utility of salivary LDH and MMP-9 in differentiating oral cancer from potentially malignant disorders
Abstract
Early distinction between oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) and possibly malignant disorders (PMDs) has been one of the most important diagnostic issues that may involve invasive biopsies. Therefore, it is of interest to assess the usefulness of salivary lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) as non-invasive biomarkers of early detection. Spectrophotometry and ELISA were used in analyzing saliva samples of 135 participants (50 OSCC, 45 PMDs, 40 controls). The level of LDH and MMP-9 was much greater in OSCC than in PMDs and controls and demonstrated very high diagnostic accuracy (AUC > 0.89). Simultaneous biomarker measurement had better sensitivity and specificity indicating their possible use as well-grounded, non-invasive measures of screening oral cancer in its early stages.
Fields of Study & Subjects
Salivary Gland Disorders and Functions
Head and Neck Cancer Studies
Oral Health Pathology and Treatment
Publication details
- Journal / source
- Bioinformation
- Publisher
- Biomedical Informatics
- Volume
- 22
- Issue
- 1
- Pages
- 230–236
- Publication date
- 31 January 2026
- Language
- EN