Biological copper levels in oral squamous cell carcinoma: A meta-analysis with insights into disease progression and prognosis

Q1 Medicine

Journal of oral biology and craniofacial research Pub Date : 2025-07-15 DOI:10.1016/j.jobcr.2025.07.003

Sandhya Sundar, Deepak Pandiar, Monal Yuwanati

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引用次数: 0

Abstract

Background

Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is a common, aggressive cancer characterized by frequent local invasion, metastasis, and recurrence. Previous research has reported altered copper levels in OSCC; however, studies employed different methods to assess these levels, leading to inconsistent or inaccurate measurements. This variability impacts the evaluation of copper's potential as a biomarker in OSCC.

Aim

This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to evaluate copper concentrations in serum, saliva, and tissue of OSCC patients compared to healthy controls and explore its potential association with disease progression and prognosis.

Method

ologyA comprehensive search across electronic databases identified 147 studies, with 18 meeting the inclusion criteria following full-text screening. Data from 751 OSCC patients and 628 healthy controls were analysed. A random-effects meta-analysis was employed to compute standardized mean differences (SMD). Subgroup analyses based on sample type and analytical technique were performed. Risk of bias was assessed using established quality checklists.

Results

Serum copper levels were significantly higher in OSCC patients (SMD: 2.22 μg/ml; I² = 98 %), with improved effect size (SMD: 2.71 μg/ml) after excluding high-risk studies. Salivary copper levels were also elevated (SMD: 0.49 μg/ml), increasing further upon sensitivity analysis (SMD: 0.75 μg/ml; p = 0.02). One study showed markedly higher copper in tumor tissue. Studies using ICP-OES showed lower heterogeneity. No conclusive evidence linked copper levels to clinical outcomes.

Conclusion

Copper concentrations are significantly elevated in OSCC across serum and saliva. However, current evidence does not support its role as a prognostic biomarker. Standardized, prospective studies are warranted.

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口腔鳞状细胞癌的生物铜水平：一项具有疾病进展和预后见解的荟萃分析

背景：口腔鳞状细胞癌（OSCC）是一种常见的侵袭性癌症，其特点是频繁的局部侵袭、转移和复发。先前的研究报告了OSCC中铜含量的改变；然而，研究采用了不同的方法来评估这些水平，导致测量结果不一致或不准确。这种可变性影响了铜作为OSCC生物标志物的潜力评估。目的本系统综述和荟萃分析旨在评价OSCC患者血清、唾液和组织中的铜浓度，并探讨其与疾病进展和预后的潜在关联。方法在电子数据库中进行全面检索，确定了147项研究，其中18项符合全文筛选后的纳入标准。分析了751例OSCC患者和628例健康对照者的数据。采用随机效应荟萃分析计算标准化平均差异（SMD）。根据样品类型和分析技术进行亚组分析。使用已建立的质量检查表评估偏倚风险。结果OSCC患者血清铜水平明显升高(SMD: 2.22 μg/ml；I2 = 98%)，排除高危研究后，效应量（SMD: 2.71 μg/ml）有所改善。唾液铜水平升高（SMD: 0.49 μg/ml），敏感性分析进一步升高(SMD: 0.75 μg/ml；p = 0.02)。一项研究表明，肿瘤组织中的铜含量明显较高。ICP-OES研究显示异质性较低。没有确凿的证据表明铜水平与临床结果有关。结论血清和唾液中铜浓度明显升高。然而，目前的证据并不支持其作为预后生物标志物的作用。标准化的前瞻性研究是有必要的。

本文章由计算机程序翻译，如有差异，请以英文原文为准。

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来源期刊

Journal of oral biology and craniofacial research Medicine-Otorhinolaryngology

CiteScore

4.90

自引率

0.00%

发文量

133

审稿时长

167 days

期刊介绍： Journal of Oral Biology and Craniofacial Research (JOBCR)is the official journal of the Craniofacial Research Foundation (CRF). The journal aims to provide a common platform for both clinical and translational research and to promote interdisciplinary sciences in craniofacial region. JOBCR publishes content that includes diseases, injuries and defects in the head, neck, face, jaws and the hard and soft tissues of the mouth and jaws and face region; diagnosis and medical management of diseases specific to the orofacial tissues and of oral manifestations of systemic diseases; studies on identifying populations at risk of oral disease or in need of specific care, and comparing regional, environmental, social, and access similarities and differences in dental care between populations; diseases of the mouth and related structures like salivary glands, temporomandibular joints, facial muscles and perioral skin; biomedical engineering, tissue engineering and stem cells. The journal publishes reviews, commentaries, peer-reviewed original research articles, short communication, and case reports.