DefinePK

Abstract

Oral leukoplakia (OL) is the most prevalent OPMD and carries a significant risk of malignant transformation into OSCC. Although histopathology is the gold standard in diagnosis, it is usually not accurate in predicting the behavior of a lesion, and this aspect highlights the importance of supplementary molecular tools. This review examines the diagnostic potential of the emerging biomarkers, which are genetic, protein-based, epigenetic, salivary, and serum-derived, in evaluating OL progression. Salivary cytokines such as IL-6 and TNF-α, alongside microRNAs and enzymes like ALP and LDH, have shown strong diagnostic potential. Tissue-based markers, including loss of heterozygosity (LOH), DNA ploidy, podoplanin, p27, p53, and Ki-67, provide insights into genetic and proliferative changes associated with malignancy. The potential of these biomarkers is to facilitate more accurate diagnosis, treatment, and prognostic decisions, as well as complement prognostication by regular histology. Further testing and implementation into clinical practice are necessary to maximize OL management and early detection of oral cancer.