Now Reading: IIT Indore develops saliva test for early oral cancer detection
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IIT Indore develops saliva test for early oral cancer detection
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…
The Story in Brief
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.
The Indian Opinion
This saliva test is promising, but the hype around 'breakthrough' cancer detection needs a check. The technique is still in lab validation, and the researchers themselves stress that larger patient studies are needed. The real test will be whether it works accurately across India's diverse population and can be deployed affordably in primary health centres. Watch for peer-reviewed validation results and the patent outcome before calling it a revolution in cancer screening.
Sources (3): rediff.com, ndtv.com, timesnownews.com
This story was synthesised by AI from the 3 sources linked above.
Updated: this story now draws on 3 sources.
