Role of Cytokeratin 19 Fragment Antigen 21-1 (CYFRA 21-1) in Early Diagnosis of Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Objective: Oral cancer is considered one of the most common and rising cancers in India. Cytokeratin (CK) 21-1 (CYFRA 21-1) fragments are known to be a potential biomarker for the detection and diagnosis of potentially malignant lesion disorders (PMLDs) and oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). In this study, we estimated CYFRA 21-1 levels in tobacco abusers/smokers, PMLD patients, and OSCC patients and compared with the samples of healthy controls to estimate their role in early diagnosis of OSCC. Materials and Methods: Serum CYFRA 21-1 was done by sandwich ELISA method. The kits were purchased from Everon Life Sciences. Results: Serum CYFRA 21-1 levels were seen to be raised in the PMLD and OSCC groups when compared with the healthy controls. Conclusion: Serum CYFRA 21-1 levels were raised in PML and OSCC group when compared with the healthy control. CYFRA 21-1 can be used as an essential biomarker for an early diagnosis of OSCC.