Paper Title
A Literature Survey of Papers Examining the Role of Matrix Metalloproteinases (MMPs) As Potential Biomarkers for Oral Cancers in India

Abstract
Research on the role of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) in development of oral cancer has increased substantially in India in the past few decades, yet a literature review of the field in the Indian context does not exist. In this review, we discuss research examining the potential for MMP as an effective biomarker for oral cancer exclusively in India, where smoking or chewing tobacco, betel quid, or using hookah is a cultural practice in many regions. To understand current and historical trends, we analyzed MMP papers from the past 17 years (2005-2021). Search Engines such as PubMed and ScienceDirect were surveyed for keywords such as MMP-2, MMP-9, and oral cancers, and filtered based on our inclusion and exclusion criteria, leaving us 11 articles. We found that most studies demonstrated promise for MMP-9 as a potential biomarker for diagnosis of oral cancer, and that MMP-2 showed positive correlation in malignancies with lymph node metastasis. We also discuss the role of several MMP types in staging and grading of oral cancer. We close by reflecting on gaps in the literature and offer guidance for future work. Keywords - MMP, Biomarkers, Oral Cancer.