Next-Generation Salivary Biomarkers for Oral Cancer: From Noninvasive Diagnostics to Public Health Impact

The primary objective of this review is to provide a comprehensive analysis of salivary biomarkers in the context of oral cancer, with a particular focus on oral squamous cell carcinoma. Oral cancer is a serious global health concern, ranking as the sixth most common cancer worldwide with over 300,000 new cases annually, and as the third most prevalent cancer in India. Its high morbidity and mortality are largely attributed to late-stage diagnosis and limited access to timely care. The current diagnostic gold standard, tissue biopsy, is invasive, costly, and unsuitable for population-level screening, creating a need for alternative approaches. This review critically evaluates recent advancements in diagnostic methodologies, emphasizing saliva as a noninvasive diagnostic medium. It examines relevant clinical case studies to demonstrate the diagnostic efficacy of salivary biomarkers and explores key etiological factors associated with oral cancer. Public health strategies initiated by governmental agencies to improve early detection, screening, and awareness are also discussed. The findings highlight that salivary biomarkers hold significant promise for early detection and cancer diagnostics. Conclusions emphasize the translational gaps that persist in this area, underscoring the need for further research to enable their integration into diagnostic protocols, screening programs, and public health initiatives.