Simple Mouth Rinse May Detect Head and Neck Cancer Recurrence

According to a groundbreaking study by researchers at Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center and UC San Diego Health, a simple mouthwash-based test could help predict recurrence in head and neck cancer patients. The findings, published in JAMA Otolaryngology—Head & Neck Surgery, offer new hope for early detection and improved patient outcomes.

The study found that elevated levels of either of two key biomarkers in saliva - CD44, a tumor-initiating molecule, and total protein levels - were associated with a higher risk of cancer recurrence. Patients with twice the normal total protein levels carried a 65% greater risk of recurrence, while those with triple the normal CD44 levels faced a 62% higher risk. The research team is now working on developing a rapid, point-of-care version of the test that can be performed during routine office visits.

While further studies are needed for its fool-proof validation, this non-invasive test test indeed represents a significant step forward in the fight against head and neck cancers, offering hope for better outcomes and quality of life for patients. It has the potential to become a game-changer for monitoring head and neck cancer patients post treatment, given that early detection of recurrence is crucial for timely intervention, as also for minimising the need for harsh, invasive treatments. For healthcare professionals and the general public alike, this seminal research highlights the untapped potential of simple, non-invasive tests towards enhancing cancer care.

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