MicroRNA-Based Markers of Oral Tongue Squamous Cell Carcinoma and Buccal Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Abstract

Background Oral cancers, including oral tongue squamous cell carcinoma (OTSCC) and buccal squamous cell carcinoma (BSCC), are known to be widespread and can progress aggressively within the oral cavity. Objective The primary aim of this study is to identify microRNA (miRNA)-based markers for OTSCC and BSCC. Materials and methods This observational study was conducted at Northampton General Hospital from January 2024 to December 2024. A total of 150 patients were recruited, and clinical and demographic data were collected, including age, gender, smoking and alcohol consumption history, tumor stage, and grade. Patients were randomly assigned to either the OTSCC or BSCC group using a computer-generated random sequence. Tumor tissue samples from both groups were obtained through biopsy or surgical resection for miRNA analysis. Results Data were collected from 150 patients, with a mean age of 55.4 years, slightly higher in the BSCC group. Males comprised 60% of the cohort, and smoking history was more prevalent in BSCC (73.3%) than in OTSCC (66.7%). Advanced tumor stages (III-IV) were predominant in both groups (61.3% overall), while comorbidities and a family history of cancer were observed in 36.7% and 22.0% of patients, respectively. MiR-21 demonstrated high diagnostic accuracy (area under the curve >0.90) and was independently associated with poor survival outcomes in both cancer types (p < 0.001). Functional analyses linked these miRNAs to key oncogenic pathways, including cell proliferation and metastasis. Conclusions miRNA-based markers, particularly miR-21, show significant potential for enhancing the diagnosis and prognosis of OTSCC and BSCC. Further studies are required to validate these findings and investigate their therapeutic applications.