Cell-free tumor DNA: Emerging reality in oral squamous cell carcinoma

The intention of this review was to condense ongoing findings on the use of circulating DNAs from bodily fluids (blood, serum and plasma) as cancer biomarkers in patients with oral squamous cell carcinoma. Studies were collected after searching databases: PubMed and Google library. Additional search was performed through cross-check on the bibliography of selected articles. After the selection process made by two of the authors, articles which met the inclusion criteria were included in the review. Results revealed that circulating DNAs from blood, serum or plasma appear as favorable candidates as cancer biomarkers in patients suffering from oral cancer. The possibility to forecast recurrences and metastases through follow-up by quantification of candidate DNAs serve as another possible characteristic to be directed in forthcoming studies. However, methodological standardization and even sampling are required to increase the power and accuracy of results.