Saliva Test for Oral Cancer Detection
A saliva test that detects proteins is being researched as a possibility of detecting oral cancer (i.e., squamous cell carcinoma). Dr. Wong, from U. of California, L A. School of Dentistry is the lead researcher in the development of this saliva test. He is also a Prof. and Assoc. Dean of Research at the school.
Early research has shown that salivary proteins are useful are a diagnostic medium to determine if patients may have various oral cancers. Saliva is easy to collect and non-invasive. The biomarkers found in saliva can aid in the early detection of squamous cell carcinoma(s), along with other various diseases. The test are not available at this point in time, however, Drs. Wong, Hu and other researchers are busy developing micro-devices so that the fluid can be easily collected in order to pursue further clinical research.
Working together with the NIDCR proteomics division, this translational research has shown promise. Scientist used saliva samples for 128 subjects, 64 with squamous cell carcinoma and 64 healthy controls. Using immunoassays, 5 biomarkers were confirmed. These were catalase, profilin, CD59, MRP14, and M2BP. The test was accurate to 93 percent.
