The current 60% five-year survival rate of individuals with oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC)—a type of cancer of the mouth and throat—could be greatly improved if treatments were initiated as early as possible. In a study published in Natural Sciences, researchers used a technology called conductive polymer spray ionization mass spectrometry to screen the blood for metabolic signs of OSCC. The method could accurately distinguish between individuals with and without OSCC.
Also, two altered lipid markers that were discovered in the blood could be traced back to the cancer site for guiding surgical margin assessments.
The method—which requires only a single drop of blood—could also distinguish between patients with early versus later stages of OSCC.
“This study represents the fruits of research involving the United States and China, in which all the participants believed that the results would be a win for both countries and for the world as a whole, an idea that seems alas to be disappearing in these times of mutual suspicion and distrust of international collaborations,” said co–corresponding author Richard N, Zare, Ph.D., of Stanford University.
The author of an accompanying Research Highlight noted that the study “is a perfect showcase for how mass spectrometry-based metabolomics workflows can be simplified to make them usable in clinical applications.”
more recommended stories
Study shows that bioprinted artificial skin can be used in cosmetics and drugs testingBioengineered artificial skin has become an.
Advocating for developmental care for infants with complex congenital heart diseaseDevelopmental disorders, disabilities, and delays are.
Smoking throughout pregnancy is tied to five-fold-plus risk of sudden unexpected infant deathA Rutgers University analysis of infants.
Once-weekly efanesoctocog alfa beneficial in severe hemophilia AOnce weekly efanesoctocog alfa provides superior.
Personalized brain modeling technique may lead to breakthroughs in clinical epilepsy trialResearchers of the Human Brain Project.
Immunotherapy combined with targeted therapy for colorectal cancer yields promising outcomes for patientsA new study that used insights.
Scientists find that microRNA affects inflammation in lupus disease.A group of researchers from the.
Researchers unveil new collection of human brain atlases that chart postnatal developmentHuman brain atlases can be used.
New hope for patients with hereditary metabolic disorderMethylmalonic aciduria (MMA) is a metabolic.
Keys to making immunotherapy work against pancreatic cancer found in tumor microenvironmentA new study that analyzed the.
Leave a Comment