The quantity and identity of specific protein markers in the human saliva can be used as an early, non-invasive diagnostic test for breast cancer that can even be conducted by dentists.
Such were the findings of a new study by researchers at The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston.
The study describes how the onset of breast cancer produces a change in the normal type and amount of proteins in glandular secretions from the salivary glands. The protein profile in a healthy person is altered by the presence of cancer.
The study is being applied to a “lab-on-a-chip” technology platform developed …read more

Such were the findings of scientists at the Johns Hopkins Kimmel Cancer Center who were able to capture genetic signatures common to head and neck cancer.
The researchers collected the rinsed saliva and filtered out cells thought to contain one or more of 21 bits of chemically altered genes common only to head and neck cancers. Tumor and blood samples also were collected.
The cellular mishaps occur when small molecules called methyl groups clamp on to the DNA ladder structure of a gene. In the grip of too many methyl groups, these genes can incorrectly switch on or off …read more