Biosensors in Oral Cancer Detection: A Reliable Technology at the Forefront of Cancer Care- A Narrative Review

Biosensors in Oral Cancer Detection

  • B Sreenu Student, Srm Dental College, Chennai, Tamilnadu, India
  • S Haritha Student, Srm Dental College, Chennai, Tamilnadu, India
  • Jeevitha Gauthaman Senior Lecturer, Department Of Oral Medicine And Radiology, Srm Dental College, Tamilnadu, India
  • Anuradha Ganesan Professor And Head, Department Of Oral Medicine And Radiology, Srm Dental College, Tamilnadu, India
Keywords: Biosensors, Oralcancer, Sailva, Biomarkers, Early Detection, Non-Invasive Diagnosis, Early Detection

Abstract

The early identification of oral cancer is critical for enhancing treatment effectiveness and improving patient survival rates. Traditional diagnostic methods often rely on invasive procedures, which can lead to patient
discomfort and delayed diagnosis. This limitation underscores the urgent need for non-invasive alternatives that can facilitate timely detection. In response, this study introduces a novel biosensor specifically engineered to detect biomarkers associated with oral cancer using saliva samples. The biosensor employs advanced nanomaterials combined with electrochemical sensing technologies to achieve exceptional sensitivity and specificity. By focusing on saliva, a non-invasive and easily accessible biological fluid, the biosensor aims to provide a convenient screening option for both patients and healthcare providers. Clinical analyses were conducted using saliva samples from individuals diagnosed with oral cancer as well as healthy controls. These
analyses revealed distinct biomarkers that are indicative of malignancy, paving the way for more effective screening protocols. The results of the earlier studies are promising as biosensors demonstrated a sensitivity of 95% and specificity of 92% in distinguishing between cancerous and non-cancerous samples. Furthermore, the biosensor’s portable and user-friendly design enhances its suitability for point-of-care applications, allowing for early screening in diverse healthcare settings, from dental offices to community clinics. Biosensors can significantly transform the routine screening process for oral cancer by enabling non-invasive, rapid detection of biomarkers. The current review analyses the importance of integrating innovative technologies
in cancer diagnostics and highlights the role of biosensors in modern healthcare which can potentially saving lives by improving the quality of care for patients at risk of oral cancer.

How to cite this article:
Sreenu B, Haritha S, Gauthaman J, Ganesan A.
Biosensors in Oral Cancer Detection: A Reliable
Technology at the Forefront of Cancer Care- A
Narrative Review. Chettinad Health City Med J.
2025;14(4):24-30.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.24321/2278.2044.202545

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Published
2026-01-05