Analysis of Salivary Volatile Organic Compounds as Possible Diagnostic Markers of Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma and Premalignant Lesions—Cross Sectional Study
Angeline Deepthi, N. Rakesh, S. Sujatha, Sreekanth P. Kunjumon, Vaishnavi Palaniswamy, Ruchika ChoudaryBackground:
Early detection plays a crucial role in preventing oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC), the sixth most common cancer globally. Metabolomics, a relatively recent concept, shows significant potential as a tool for identifying cancer biomarkers. In healthy individuals, various metabolic compounds are naturally produced; however, during disease, their concentrations may change or new metabolites may emerge. Among these, volatile organic compounds (VOCs) stand out as promising biomarker candidates.
Objective:
To identify salivary volatilomic profiles among OSCC and oral premalignant disorder (OPMD) subjects and compare them with healthy controls.
Methods:
Unstimulated saliva was collected from 35 OSCC patients, 35 OPMD subjects, and 40 controls. VOCs were extracted, transferred to the ZSM-5/PDMS ZSM-5 (Zeolite Socony Mobil-5) and Polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) film, condensed with 100 μL methanol, and analyzed using gas chromatography–mass spectrometry.
Results:
The total number of VOCs detected was 25. Eleven types of VOCs were detected and identified in the salivary samples from the OPMD subjects, twelve types of VOCs were detected and identified in the salivary samples from the OSCC subjects, and two VOCs (benzene acetic acid, propylene glycol, and indole) are common to both OSCC and OPMD. Propanamide, 2-hydroxy and 1,2-propanediol were present exclusively in OSCC. 5-Methyl hexanoic acid and 2-butenoic acid were present exclusively in OPMD subjects and healthy control groups, which included six organic acids one each in ketone, alcohol, phenol, heterocyclic compounds, and amide.
Conclusion:
The present study demonstrates the potential role of salivary VOC-based metabolomics profiling in early detection of high-risk OPMD and OSCC patients.