Biomarker‑oriented research represents an emerging research area within oncology. As a complex body fluid mainly secreted by salivary glands, saliva is intrinsically linked to the oral cavity and carries abundant biological information. Saliva not only serves as a vast repository of biomarkers, but salivary diagnostics have also emerged as a new diagnostic technique, offering advantages such as non-invasiveness, ease of collection, and low costs. Nevertheless, the oral microenvironment is highly dynamic and heterogeneous, which can readily alter biomarker concentrations. For this reason, validating genuinely reliable salivary biomarkers still poses considerable technical obstacles. This study systematically collates currently available clinical evidence to elaborate the biological profiles of salivary biomarkers applicable for oral squamous cell carcinoma, including the inflammatory mediators IL-8 and TNF-α, as well as CD44 and mRNA-related molecular indicators. This comprehensive review summarizes current research progress, providing practical insights for the optimization of early diagnostic schemes and therapeutic strategies for oral cancer.

Lu Liu, Qian Wan. Salivary biomarkers for the early detection of oral squamous cell carcinoma: Progress and challenges. Frontiers in Medical Science Research (2026), Vol. 8, Issue 4: 82-87. https://doi.org/10.25236/FMSR.2026.080410.

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