Prognostic Significance of Preoperative Salivary and Serum Lactate Dehydrogenase in Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma Patients

Abstract

Introduction: The growth of cancer is linked with a high glycolytic activity with a shift from aerobic respiration to anaerobic glycolysis. Carcinogenesis has a remarkable influence on lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and is used as a biomarker in various cancers. Aims: The study intends to assess preoperative salivary and serum LDH in oral squamous cell carcinomas (OSCC) patients and to analyse its relation with clinicopathologic characteristics. Settings and Design: A total of ninety participants (60 OSCCs and 30 healthy controls) were included in the study. Material and Methods: Salivary and serum LDH were assessed using LDH assessment kit and Spectrophotometer. Statistical Analysis: Chi-square test, Mann-Whitney U test, Kruskal-Wallis test, Pearson correlation test and Receiver operative curve analysis were applied. Results: Raised salivary LDH (≥ 450 IU/L) was seen in 70% of OSCCs. Mean salivary LDH were significantly higher in patients than controls. The Mean LDH was significantly higher in OSCCs with bone involvement by local extension of tumor than without. Raised serum LDH (> 228 IU/L) was seen in 83% of OSCCs. Mean serum LDH were significantly higher in patients than controls. The mean LDH was significantly higher in patients with nodal metastasis than without. The mean salivary LDH was significantly higher than the serum LDH in the patients and showed a highly significant positive correlation. Conclusion: Results infer that elevated levels of LDH might be a sign of disease progression. Outcome of the present analysis proposes that magnitude of LDH may be an indicator of tumor burden and extent of disease.