Researchers have developed a new non-invasive brush test that can detect oral cancer in as little as one hour, offering a faster and less painful alternative to conventional surgical biopsies. The breakthrough, led by scientists at Queen Mary University of London, could significantly improve early diagnosis while reducing the need for unnecessary invasive procedures.
The test uses a soft brush to collect surface cells from suspicious lesions inside the mouth instead of removing a tissue sample through surgery. Known as qMIDS-V3, the technique analyses molecular changes in the collected cells and delivers results within an hour.
If you enjoyed reading this article, you can help support our journalism by adding OHeraldo as a preferred source.
In one of the largest studies of its kind, researchers examined more than 1,000 samples from 545 patients. The findings showed that the test accurately detected oral squamous cell carcinoma while helping more than 90 per cent of patients with low-risk lesions avoid unnecessary scalpel biopsies. Researchers believe the test could also be used to monitor patients with potentially cancerous oral lesions over time, allowing doctors to identify cancer at an earlier stage.
Oral cancer affects nearly 6.5 lakh people globally every year. Major risk factors include tobacco use, smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, human papillomavirus (HPV) infection and prolonged exposure to sunlight. Since many patients are diagnosed only after the disease has progressed, experts say earlier detection can significantly improve survival rates.
Lead researcher Professor Muy-Teck Teh said the current diagnostic process often subjects patients with harmless lesions to painful biopsies. He noted that the new test provides clinicians with a rapid, accurate and repeatable method to assess suspicious lesions and monitor patients without repeated surgical procedures.
The international research team included scientists from the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), King George’s Medical University and Modern Dental College & Research Centre. Researchers are now seeking a commercial partner to bring the affordable diagnostic tool into clinical practice and estimate it could be available for patients within the next two years.
