Quantifying TERT promoter mutations in tumor-derived DNA shed into the oral cavity as a potential biomarker for oral squamous cell carcinoma.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCC) have high recurrence and poor prognosis, largely due to delayed diagnosis. Identification of somatic mutations and human papillomavirus (HPV) sequences in tumor DNA shed in the oral cavity may provide non-invasive biomarkers for early HNSCC detection.

Objectives

The study aimed to evaluate TERT promoter (TERTp) mutations in tumor DNA extracted from oral rinses as potential biomarkers for head and neck cancers.

Methods

TERTp mutations (C228T and C250T) were examined in DNA extracted from oral rinses of 132 HNSCC patients, of whom 63 had paired tumor tissue available for analysis, and from four head and neck squamous cell carcinoma derived cells lines (CAL27, SCC152, SCC154, FaDu) by using droplet digital PCR (dd

SUBMITTER: Starita N 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12757288 | biostudies-literature | 2025

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature