A review: early detection of oral cancer biomarkers using microfluidic colorimetric point-of-care devices

Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is the most common type of head and neck cancers. OSCC constitutes 90% of the head and neck malignancies. The delayed identification of oral cancer is the primary cause of ineffective medical treatment. To address this issue, low-cost, reliable point-of-care devices that can be utilized for large-scale screening, even in low-resource settings, including rural areas and primary healthcare centers, are of great interest. Herein, a comprehensive analysis of numerous salivary biomarkers that exhibit significant variations in concentration between individuals with oral cancer and those without is given. Furthermore, the article explores several point-of-care devices that exhibit potential in the realm of oral cancer detection. The biomarkers are discussed with a focus on their structural characteristics and role in oral cancer progression. The devices based on colorimetry and microfluidics are discussed in detail, considering their compliance with the 'REASSURED' criteria given by the World Health Organization (WHO) and suitability for mass screening in low-resource settings. Finally, the discourse revolves around the fundamental aspects pertaining to the advancement of multiplex, cost-effective point-of-care devices designed for widespread screening purposes.