'Brush Biopsy' Could Be Easy Dental Office Cancer Screen

As reported in a recent study, a newly developed "brush biopsy" offers a promising method for dentists to screen for the most common form of mouth cancer. The procedure involves dentists using a small brush to collect cells from potentially cancerous lesions within the mouth gently. This sample is then analyzed for genetics related to oral squamous cell carcinoma, the predominant form of mouth cancer.

Traditionally, surgical biopsies were necessary for diagnosing mouth cancer, requiring an additional referral step. However, some patients would delay this step until the cancer had progressed to a more advanced and challenging-to-treat stage. The "brush biopsy" aims to address this issue by providing a simpler and less invasive screening method.

The diagnostic system focuses on identifying small segments of genetic material known as microRNA, which play a role in regulating gene function (genetic expression). Specifically, the test looks for an expression signature of 40 microRNA sequences that can distinguish between a tumour and normal tissue with over 90% accuracy.

One notable advantage of this method is its reliance on epithelial cells, the outermost layer of cells in a person's mouth. These cells can be collected through a brief and gentle brushing by a dentist or nurse, requiring no numbing. The collected brush is then stored in a solution-filled tube and sent to a lab for analysis, with results returning within days.

Compared to surgical biopsies, the brush biopsy is an improvement as it avoids collecting a mix of cell types during surgery, making analysis more straightforward. Additionally, the risk of spreading cancerous cells to other parts of the mouth is minimized. The method is also preferable to blood tests since it targets a specific suspected cancer site, clarifying the location for potential treatment if cancer is detected.

Researchers envision that by simplifying the screening process, this test could help reduce health inequities, particularly in patient groups that may not receive regular dental care or have a higher incidence of mouth cancer. The hope is that early detection through this method could improve outcomes, especially for groups with lower survival rates, such as Black men. The researchers have patented the test and established a company, Arphion Diagnostics, for potential commercialization, seeking business partners to facilitate its integration into dental clinics. The technology may also have applications in diagnosing other oral diseases if researchers can identify the unique microRNA signatures associated with those conditions.

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