What question did this study set out to answer?

This research explores the roles of LCN2, MMP9, and their complex as biomarkers for diagnosing and prognosticating oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC).

July 4, 2026

Abstract P41: Potential role of LCN2, MMP9 and LCN2/MMP9 complex as plausible biomarkers of Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma (OSCC)

Key Points

This research explores the roles of LCN2, MMP9, and their complex as biomarkers for diagnosing and prognosticating oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC).
351 OSCC cases, 26 oral potentially malignant disorders (OPMD), and 118 healthy controls were recruited.
Salivary and serum samples were analyzed using sandwich ELISA to measure protein levels.
ROC analysis was performed to determine the sensitivity and specificity of LCN2, MMP9, and their complex.
LCN2 and MMP9 levels were significantly elevated in patients compared to controls (p≤0.0001 for both).
ROC analysis showed significant AUCs for LCN2 and MMP9 in predicting OSCC (sensitivity 85-88% and specificity 60-95%).
Pre-treatment levels of LCN2 and MMP9 were associated with overall survival (HR 1.915) and disease-free survival (HR 2.823) in OSCC patients.

Abstract

Abstract Background: OSCC is a significant health problem in LMICs including India, and has poor outcome due to lack of diagnostic marker. We identified 135 dysregulated candidate proteins in the saliva of OSCC patients using LCMS, of which Lipocalin 2 (LCN2) and Matrix Metalloproteinase 9 (MMP9) were significantly upregulated. We explored the potential role of these proteins as probable biomarker in OSCC. Methodology: 351 OSCC, 26 OPMDs and 118 healthy controls were recruited. 5ml unstimulated saliva and 3ml blood were collected at baseline and during follow-ups. Protein levels were measured by sandwich ELISA, and analysed using appropriate statistical tests. Results: LCN2 was significantly higher (p≤0. 0001) in saliva and serum (median-609. 15ng/ml 0. 0001) AUC of (0. 8025 2025 Nov 5-7; Singapore. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2026;86 (13Suppl): Abstract nr P41.

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