# IIT Indore develops saliva test for early oral cancer detection 2026-08-13T07:26:50+00:00 | Health & Science | Indian Opinion Desk Corroboration: 3 independent outlets Researchers at IIT Indore have developed a non-invasive technique to detect early signs of oral cancer using saliva and a swab from the inner mouth. The method, led by professor Hem Chandra Jha, identifies molecular changes linked to oral squamous cell carcinoma and oral submucous fibrosis, a precancerous condition. Findings were published in the British Journal of Cancer, and a patent application is pending. The technique uses liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry to compare samples from healthy individuals, patients with fibrosis, and cancer patients. It flags changes in fat and energy metabolism, oxidative stress, and immune activity before visible symptoms appear. Researchers say the low-cost, point-of-care test could make screening accessible in rural areas, but larger validation studies are needed before it replaces biopsy. ## Coverage - rediff.com - ndtv.com - timesnownews.com Tags: early detection, IIT Indore, medical research, non-invasive diagnostic, oral cancer, saliva test Canonical: https://indianopinion.org/iit-indore-develops-saliva-test-for-early-oral-cancer-detection/ License: Summary and commentary (c) Indian Opinion, reusable with attribution. Facts belong to the linked sources. Cite: https://indianopinion.org/iit-indore-develops-saliva-test-for-early-oral-cancer-detection/#story-in-brief Review state: restored archive article, accurate at time of publication, not offered to search indexes.