Hyderabad: Tissues retrieved from the cancerous part of the mouth affected by oral cancer were picked and tested by researchers in Basavatarakam Indo American Cancer Hospital and Research Institute where they have found a ‘molecule signature’ to make diagnosis easy.
Oral cancer is generally detected very late as the tongue and buccal mucosa get affected very early but are diagnosed much later.
Dr V.V.T.S. Prasad, head of research and development wing said, “The results from the data generated in studying the cancerous tissues have given a pattern that helps us understand the molecules which cause this cancer. This ‘molecule signature’ is now being taken up for research. It will help us diagnose the disease earlier.”
Oral cancer is the largest cancer affecting males and the number of cases continues to remain 1,00,000 per year. With 10 per cent of the cases being that of oral cancer in India it is becoming important to identify a better diagnostic technique and understand the gene and DNA pattern.
Dr Prasad explained, “Due to oral cancer being only 2 per cent in the West there is very little work being done there. In the Asian countries and in parts of S-E Asia the numbers are too high.”
Human pappilloma virus cause for rise in cases
Oral cancer also affects those below 45 years of age and researchers are looking at other reasons for this cancer. Human Papilloma virus is being seen as one of the causes and evidence is being gathered in various studies.
Dr Mohana Vamsy, cancer specialist at Omega Hospitals said, “So far there is no conclusive evidence that HPV causes oral cancer. But various studies across the world indicate that HPV could also be one of the factors. As more evidence is gathered it will be clear soon.”
Dr V Prasad, senior oncologist at Indo-American Cancer Hos-pital said, “The ACTREC in Mumbai has studied data from different centres in India and found HPV playing a role. Now, in younger patients, we are looking at these issues.”
While the ‘conclusive evidence of association’ is debated even in medical circles, oncologists say HPV can’t be completely ruled out.
