IIT Indore develops saliva test for early oral cancer detection

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IIT Indore researchers have developed a non-invasive technique to detect early signs of oral cancer using a saliva and swab sample from the inner cheek, replacing the painful tissue biopsy. The method identifies molecular changes linked to oral squamous cell carcinoma and oral submucous fibrosis before they are clinically visible. The study, published in the British Journal of Cancer, used liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry to compare samples from healthy individuals, precancerous patients and cancer patients. The team, led by professor Hem Chandra Jha, has filed a patent and plans to validate the test in larger groups before developing easy-to-use kits for rural clinics.

Rediff.com reports the technique is point-of-care, economical and quick, which matters in a country where specialist cancer diagnostics are scarce beyond big cities. The researchers said saliva carries chemical signals from the mouth and a swab picks up proteins from the tissue, building a fuller picture of how healthy tissue turns cancerous.