Implication of circulating miRNAs as potential diagnostic biomarker in oropharyngeal squamous cell Carcinoma: Association with Human Papilloma Virus.

BACKGROUND

Over the past decades, significant progress has been made in the early diagnosis and treatment of oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC). However, the survival rate has not improved. Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a major risk factor for the development of oropharyngeal cancer. Therefore, understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying OPSCC may help define improved diagnostic and prognostic strategies. Previous studies on tissue samples have linked microRNAs (miRNAs) to the progression of OPSCC. This study aimed to develop a panel of diagnostic biomarkers based on the serum miRNA signature in OPSCC that correlates with HPV status.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Paired serum and tissue samples were collected from 30 OPSCC patients and 20 healthy controls. Based on previous studies on OPSCC tissue samples, a set of six miRNAs (miR-93, miR-222, miR-199, miR-320, miR-145, and miR-126) was selected due to their association with OPSCC development and progression. RT-qPCR was used to compare miRNA expression in paired samples, with miR-16 serving as the reference gene for normalization. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was performed to evaluate the diagnostic potential of these serum miRNAs.

RESULTS

The mean relative fold change for serum miR-93 and miR-222 was upregulated, whereas miR-199, miR-320, miR-145, and miR-126 were downregulated in OPSCC compared to normal controls. A similar trend of upregulation and downregulation was observed in tissue samples. The mean relative expression of miR-93 was significantly associated with HPV status (p < 0.0001). Additionally, the mean relative expression levels of all six miRNAs (miR-93, miR-222, miR-199, miR-320, miR-145, and miR-126) were significantly different between the serum of normal controls and early-stage OPSCC patients. The serum miRNA panel, including miR-93, miR-222, miR-199, miR-320, miR-145, and miR-126, demonstrated significant diagnostic potential in distinguishing OPSCC from normal controls.

CONCLUSION

Our findings suggest that a panel of OPSCC-related miRNAs demonstrates concordant expression levels in serum and tissue of OPSCC, and may serve as a minimally invasive diagnostic biomarker for OPSCC. Further studies with a larger sample size are needed to confirm these findings, particularly in HPV-associated OPSCC.