Detection of Promoter Hypermethylation in Salivary Rinses as a Biomarker for Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma Surveillance

Abstract

We were able to confirm an elevated rate of promoter hypermethylation in HNSCC saliva of patients by using a panel of gene promoters previously described as methylated specifically in HNSCC. Detection of hypermethylation in pretreatment saliva DNA seems to be predictive of local recurrence and overall survival. This finding has potential to influence treatment and surveillance of HNSCC patients.