- Dental Health and Wellness
- by admin_cosmetic
Date: March 4, 2024
Source: Case Western Reserve University
Summary:
Oral cancer is a formidable adversary in the realm of healthcare, often challenging to diagnose accurately and in its early stages. However, a groundbreaking discovery by researchers at Case Western Reserve University School of Dental Medicine has unveiled a game-changing method for detecting oral cancer that is noninvasive, cost-effective, and stress-free for patients.
Published in the esteemed journal Cell Reports Medicine, this innovative approach hinges on the measurement of two key proteins—human beta defensin 3 (hBD-3) and hBD-2—in cells obtained from suspicious oral lesions. By analyzing the ratio of these proteins, known as the beta defensin index (BDI), clinicians can accurately determine the presence of oral cancer or the necessity of a biopsy.
The study, led by Aaron Weinberg, Chair of the Department of Biological Sciences at Case Western Reserve School of Dental Medicine, underscores the dual nature of hBD-3, initially identified as a ‘good guy’ in wound-healing but subsequently revealed as a promoter of tumor growth in early-stage oral cancer.
The implications of this research are profound, with the potential to significantly reduce the need for invasive biopsies by up to 95% in primary care settings. Moreover, the development of a point-of-care (POC) device, spearheaded by Umut Gurkan, opens avenues for swift and accessible oral cancer screening, particularly in underserved communities and developing countries.
Supported by prestigious grants and collaborations, including the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research and the National Cancer Institute, this groundbreaking innovation marks a pivotal moment in the fight against oral cancer.
Case Western Reserve University. “New method to test for oral cancer.” ScienceDaily. ScienceDaily, 4 March 2024.
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