Next generation sequencing-based salivary biomarkers in oral squamous cell carcinoma

Selection of potential disease-specific biomarkers from saliva or epithelial tissues through next generation sequencing (NGS)-based protein studies has recently become possible. The early diagnosis of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) has been difficult, if not impossible, until now due to the lack of an effective OSCC biomarker and efficient molecular validation method. The aim of this study was to summarize the advances in the application of NGS in cancer research and to propose potential proteomic and genomic saliva biomarkers for NGS-based study in OSCC screening and diagnosis programs. We have reviewed four categories including definitions and use of NGS, salivary biomarkers and OSCC, current biomarkers using the NGS-based technique, and potential salivary biomarker candidates in OSCC using NGS.