Volatilomic insight of head and neck cancer via the effects observed on saliva metabolites

Abstract

1, false discovery rate (FDR) corrected p-value < 0.05 and log2 fold change (log2 FC) value of ≥0.58/≤−0.58 were regarded as discriminatory metabolites of pathophysiological importance. Afterwards, receiver operator characteristic curve (ROC) projected certain VOMs viz., 1,4-dichlorobenzene, 1,2-decanediol, 2,5-bis1,1-dimethylethylphenol and E-3-decen-2-ol with profound metabolic effects of HNC and highest class segregation potential. Moreover, metabolic pathways analysis portrayed several dysregulated pathways in HNC, which enhanced our basic understanding on salivary VOM changes. Our observations could redefine several known/already investigated systemic phenomenons (e.g. biochemical pathways). These findings will inspire further research in this direction and may open unconventional avenues for non-invasive monitoring of HNC and its therapy in the future.