Recent research has involved a team looking for a new way of treating Periodontitis. Existing methods have limitations, and rarely provide long-term benefits. The researchers were able to create a dissolvable microneedle patch – which they believe has the potential to successfully treat periodontitis. These findings could have an enormous impact on the treatment of severe gum disease.
Recent research has led to the development of a urine-based test which could help to detect mouth, head and neck cancers [1].
The test also appears to be particularly useful for cancers caused by the Human Papilomavirus – better known as HPV [1].
Due to the number of people that are affected by these cancers, this could be an incredibly useful test. While significant work is still needed to validate this test, this is a positive development.
HPV and Head, Mouth and Neck Cancers
HPV is the name of a common group of viruses, with over 100 different types existing [2]. While the condition does not cause problems for a sizeable number of people, it can lead to cancer in others.
HPV is linked to cervical, anal, penile, vulval and vaginal cancer [2]. Moreover, as will be discussed, it is linked to head and neck cancer too.
Head and neck cancer is the sixth most common cancer worldwide [3]. Furthermore, research shows that there are approximately 10,000 head and neck cancer-related deaths in the United States each year [3].
Meanwhile, mouth cancer, also known as oral cancer, affects approximately 300,000 people per year [4]. Risk factors include poor oral hygiene, smoking and obesity [4].
This range of cancers cause many issues, and reduce life expectancy. Additionally, early detection is crucial. Therefore, finding new ways of detecting these conditions is highly sought after.
The Research
The research was carried out by a team from the University of Michigan. Their findings have been published in JCI Insight [1].
Urine is a very appealing source of biofluid for researchers. It can be easily collected, shipped to laboratories simply, and is non-invasive – maximizing patient comfort [1].
The research team reasoned that urine was an ideal way of detecting the biomarkers that are associated with cancer. The researchers hoped to be able to detect circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) in urine.
To develop the test, the team used something called whole-genome sequencing [1]. This involves determining the entire sequence of an organism’s DNA.
By doing so, the team were able to discover that urine ctDNA fragments could easily be missed by a laboratory test [1].
Then, they sought to look at HPV-associated tumors. The team initiated a polymerase chain reaction – which allowed them to detect genetic material from the tumor [1].
The team found that ctDNA matched the plasma seen in cancer detection with patients with HPV-related cancer [1]. Therefore, the test produced the same results as a standard laboratory test would.
The difference is that a urine test is entirely non-invasive. However, regular tests are typically invasive, making it a potentially difficult experience for patients.
Therefore, this test would allow cancer to be detected while a person is in the comfort of their own home. This would present patients with a convenient alternative to a standard medical test.
As part of their analysis, the researchers also found that the test was able to detect reoccurrences of cancer much earlier than clinical imaging would be able to achieve [1]. This added another positive finding to the research.
Distribution of the test
The researchers have distributed the test to patients within a 100-mile radius of the city of Ann Arbor – which is where the University of Michigan is based [1].
By doing so, researchers will be able to collect data from a range of people, which can provide substantial data. Therefore, they will be able to further their understanding of the test and its validity.
Despite the test being in an early phase, the researchers have started to explore the possibility of expanding the distribution of the test further.
Summary
Overall, these are promising findings. The test appears to be able to detect head and neck cancers early on, and even monitor reoccurrences.
The researchers have pointed out that the test is still in the discovery phase, but it is certainly a positive step.
Moreover, the researchers also suggested that in the future, the test could also look at other cancers. For example, these could include breast cancer and leukemia [1].
The eventual aim is to develop a urine-based test that can detect any type of cancer. While this idea is in its infancy, this research represents a strong development.
Thinking points…
[1] It was mentioned earlier that it is crucial to detect mouth, head and neck cancer at an early stage. Therefore, make sure you attend a dental check-up, as dentists are trained to spot signs of these conditions. Moreover, they can also take a look at your overall oral health and provide advice. You should attend check-ups at least twice a year. We recommend that you book an appointment now!
[2] This research produced interesting findings. Many of us are, or know, people affected by cancer. Therefore, you could share this article with friends, family, colleagues or on social media – as it could be relevant to many people. Why not share the article now?
What we offer at Taradale Dental
Taradale Dental is a dental clinic based in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. At our Calgary dental clinic, we provide a range of services for our patients.
We advise our patients to attend our Calgary dental clinic at least twice per year for a regular dental check-up. At these check-ups, we provide a comprehensive review of a patient’s oral health. If any problems are detected, we have many treatments available. For example, these include cavity fillings and root canals. To strengthen your oral health, we recommend brushing your teeth at least twice a day and flossing regularly.
Here at Taradale Dental, we also have some cosmetic treatments available! These include dental implants, teeth whitening and Invisalign™! Our patients find that these treatments have a positive impact on their appearance, confidence and self-esteem.
Moreover, the fees of our treatments at our Calgary dental clinic Taradale Dental are set in line with the Alberta Dental Fee Guide. This ensures transparent and fair pricing, with no hidden costs.
We hope to see you soon at our Taradale Dental clinic in Calgary! You can find out more about us by visiting our website https://taradaledental.ca/!
References
[1] Bhambhani, C., Kang, Q., Hovelson, D. H., et al. (2024). ctDNA transiting into urine is ultrashort and facilitates noninvasive liquid biopsy of HPV+ oropharyngeal cancer. JCI Insight. 9 (6): e177759. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1172/jci.insight.177759.
[2] NHS. (2022). Human papillomavirus (HPV). Available: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/human-papilloma-virus-hpv/. Last accessed: 24th August 2024.
[3] Guo, K., Xiao, W., Chen, X., Zhao, Z., Lin, Y., & Chen, G. (2021). Epidemiological Trends of Head and Neck Cancer: A Population-Based Study. Biomed Research International. 2021 (1). DOI: https://doi.org/10.1155/2021/1738932.
[4] Ferlay, J., Soerjomataram, I., Dikshit, R., Eser, S., Mathers, C., Rebelo, M., Parkin, D. M., Forman, D., & Bray, F. (2015). Cancer incidence and mortality worldwide: sources, methods and major patterns in GLOBOCAN 2012. International Journal of Cancer. 136 (5): p359-386. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1002/ijc.29210.
