Salivary CA125, MUC1, VEGF, and sFas as Powerful Diagnostic and Prognostic Tools in Breast Cancer: A Case-Control Study

Abstract

Background: Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed malignancy in women, and early detection is crucial for improving survival rates. Salivary biomarkers offer a promising non-invasive diagnostic approach. 
Aim: This  study  evaluates  the  diagnostic  and  prognostic  significance  of salivary CA125, MUC1, VEGF, and sFas in breast cancer patients, comparing them with blood biomarkers (CA15-3, LDH) and immunohistochemistry (IHC) estrogen and progesterone receptor status.
Methodology: This observational case-control study included 270 participants, comprising 225 breast cancer patients (n = 45 per subgroup, ranging from newly diagnosed to Stage IV) and 45 healthy female controls. 
Results: Biomarkers were quantified using ELISA, and statistical analyses showed a significant increase (p < 0.001) in CA125, MUC1, VEGF, and sFas as the disease progressed. The ROC curve analysis indicated an AUC of 1.0 for the integrated biomarker panel. 
Conclusion: The data suggest that salivary biomarkers, including CA125 and MUC1,  are  reliable  for  non-invasive  breast  cancer  screening,  and  their combination with blood markers enhances diagnostic accuracy.