Expression of ErbB2 and EGFR in saliva of oral cancer patients - cochrane systematic review

Introduction EGFR (Epidermal growth factor receptor) is additionally called her/erbB1 and is a part of erbB receptor which is the initial cluster to be identified and has four receptors. ErbB2 is a proto-oncogene which is located on chromosome 17q. The systematic review aims to ascertain the association of ErbB2, EGFR and oral cancer, thus elucidating its importance on prognostic biomarkers for oscc.Materials and methodA comprehensive literature search of PubMed, Google, Medline and Cochrane was performed for relevant studies that helped in examining the association between ErbB2, EGFR and OSCC up to January 2026.ResultsIn 66.6% of the article EGFR and ErbB2 expression is seen to be upregulated but in 33.3% it is downregulated in Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) patients. 66.6% of the studies showed that there was a good prognosis with relation to the expression of ErbB2 and EGFR.Discussion Several studies reported a decrease of serum EGFR in patients with cancer, with a proportional impact on survival. This supports the hypothesis that in the control of EGFR-regulated signaling, serum EGFR could be a different isoform with a physiological and tumor- protective role.Conclusion Expression of ErbB2 and EGFR in saliva are significantly higher in oral squamous cell carcinoma patients and they also serve as a good prognostic factor. These can be used as reliable markers for the early detection of oral malignant cancer.