Abstract 697: The role of salivary exosomal cargo as diagnostic biomarker for oral squamous cell carcinoma among South African population

Abstract Introduction: Globally, oral cancer remains a non-communicable debilitating disease of major public health concerns in Africa and other low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). South Africa has the highest incidence and prevalence of oral cancer in Africa. More than 90% of all oral cancer are oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). Factors such as the aggressive nature of the disease among Africans, late diagnosis, and access to and limited healthcare resources have contributed to the growing burden of OSCC in Africa and other LMICs. Exosomes play a major intercellular communication role due to their ability to transmit their cargo of proteins, nuclei acids, and lipids from one cell to another. Aim: The study is focused at investigating the role of salivary exosome cargo as diagnostic biomarkers for OSCC in a South African population. Methodology: Saliva samples were collected from 10 OSCC patients and 5 healthy individuals that consent to be part of the study. Exosomes were isolated from all saliva samples. Characterization of exosomes size and concentration was done using NanoSight NS300. Exosomes samples were also characterized using transmission electron microscope. Results: Salivary exosomes from OSCC patients were found to significantly have higher concentration and size than those from healthy individuals. There are no significant differences in size and concentration of exosomes between male and female OSCC patients. ROC analysis showed a maximal sensitivity (100%) and specificity (80%) (AUC of 0.98) at cut-off of 1.99e+9 particles/ml. Conclusion: Our study showed the potential uses of salivary exosomes morphological characteristic as diagnostic biomarker tool for OSCC. Citation Format: Dada Oluwaseyi Temilola, Manogari Chetty. The role of salivary exosomal cargo as diagnostic biomarker for oral squamous cell carcinoma among South African population [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2025; Part 1 (Regular Abstracts); 2025 Apr 25-30; Chicago, IL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2025;85(8_Suppl_1):Abstract nr 697.