MONDAY, Jan. 3, 2005 (HealthDayNews) -- A major advance in using saliva to detect oral cancer is outlined in a study funded by the U.S. National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research.
Scientists found they were able to measure for elevated levels of four distinct cancer-associated molecules in saliva. Using this method, they had a 91 percent accuracy rate in distinguishing between healthy people and those diagnosed with oral squamous cell carcinoma.
This is the first study to report that distinct patterns of cancer-linked messenger RNA can be measured in saliva and indicate the presence of a developing tumor. The findings appear in the current issue of Clinical Cancer Research.
Messenger RNA provides a chemical record that a particular gene has been expressed.
The researchers used saliva and blood samples from 32 people who'd been diagnosed with oral squamous cell carcinoma but hadn't yet received treatment. They plan a larger study to determine if they can use saliva samples to distinguish between various stages of oral cancer.
More information
The Cleveland Clinic Foundation has more about oral cancer.
