Trace elements as potential biomarkers for oral squamous cell carcinoma

Abstract

Oral cancer encompasses a range of tumors affecting the oral cavity, throat, and salivary glands. Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma (OSCC) is the most common type, particularly in Southeast Asia, where it constitutes one-third of all body cancers. Patients with advanced OSCC generally experience much poorer outcomes compared to those with early-stage disease. This highlights the need for reliable biomarkers to better understand cancer development. Trace elements, crucial for various physiological processes, have been proposed as potential biomarkers for cancer due to their roles in formation and progression. This study investigates changes in serum levels of trace elements—copper, iron, zinc, and magnesium—in patients with OSCC compared to healthy age-matched controls. Conducted in Telangana, the study involved 100 OSCC patients and 100 controls. Methods used for trace element estimation include Ferrozine, DBDC, colorimeter, and calmagite. The study aims to evaluate how individual and combined risk factors, such as smoking, alcohol use, and tobacco chewing, affect trace element concentrations. Results revealed that OSCC patients had significantly higher serum copper levels, while their serum iron, zinc, and magnesium levels were lower. The study also found that combined risk factors had a greater impact on trace element levels than individual risk factors.