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Rethinking oral cancer treatment: A review of next-generation drug delivery systems

Researchers emphasize the need for personalized drug delivery systems that consider tumor biology, location, and patient factors to effectively treat oral cancer. Mucoadhesive films, oral sprays, and injectable hydrogels are promising technologies, but their translation to clinical use depends on practical considerations.

SourceHasanuddin University·JournalEuropean Journal of Pharmaceutics and Biopharmaceutics·TypeLiterature review·DateAug 26, 2026

Early inflammation signal drives oral cancer development, highlights path for immunoprevention

A study published in Cancer Research identified an immune pathway that promotes the progression of oral precancerous lesions into head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. The researchers found that targeting a key inflammation signal known as interleukin-1 alpha (IL-1α) could help restore immune surveillance and prevent high-risk lesions...

New brush test detects oral cancer in one hour

A non-invasive brush biopsy test has been validated for accurate oral cancer detection within one hour, potentially sparing over 90% of low-risk patients from unnecessary invasive procedures. The test's performance is comparable to a microbiopsy-based assay, making it a game-changer in oral cancer diagnosis and treatment.

SourceQueen Mary University of London·JournalBiomarker Research·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 6, 2026

New insights into oral cancer without traditional risk factors

Researchers identified four distinct mutational clusters in oral cancers lacking traditional risk factors, with two linked to endogenous processes and unique driver gene mutations. The study suggests a potential role of the oral microbiome in tumor development and highlights opportunities for precision medicine approaches.

SourceEditorial Office of West China School of Stomatology, Sichuan University·JournalInternational Journal of Oral Science·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMay 22, 2026

Smartphone imaging system shows promise for early oral cancer detection in dental clinics

A low-cost smartphone imaging system called mDOC combines autofluorescence and white light imaging with machine learning to accurately identify oral lesions requiring specialist referral. The system achieved an area under the ROC curve of 0.778, outperforming dental providers in sensitivity and specificity.

SourceSPIE--International Society for Optics and Photonics·JournalBiophotonics Discovery·DateOct 16, 2025

Research alert: Cannabis use disorder triples risk of oral cancer

A recent study by researchers at University of California San Diego School found that individuals with cannabis use disorder are more than three times more likely to develop oral cancer within five years. The study highlights the potential long-term health risks associated with problematic cannabis use and emphasizes the need for furth...

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalPreventive Medicine Reports·DateJul 29, 2025

Stratifying the immune landscape of tongue cancer

Researchers identify five distinct immunotypes in tongue squamous cell carcinoma, shedding light on why current immunotherapies fail. The study's findings highlight the need for immune-based assessments to guide treatment decisions and suggest a new approach to personalized medicine.

SourceInstitute of Science Tokyo·JournalCancer Immunology Immunotherapy·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 27, 2025

Scientists develop super strong antibodies for new cancer treatment

Researchers from the University of Southampton engineered a new type of super-strong antibody that triggers a stronger response from the immune system compared to naturally produced antibodies. The study confirms that making subtle increases in rigidity stimulates immune activity, creating a powerful immune response against disease.

SourceUniversity of Southampton·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 1, 2025

Pioneering method detects oral cancer earlier

Researchers have developed a pioneering method that combines atomic force microscopy with artificial intelligence to detect changes in cancer cells at a small scale. This enables more accurate and reliable diagnoses, potentially leading to earlier detection and better treatment outcomes.

SourceUniversity of Otago·JournalACS Nano·DateApr 13, 2025

HKU researchers uncover key mechanisms driving oral cancer spread and highlight potential treatment strategies

Researchers from HKU discover critical molecular changes that drive metastasis to lymph nodes and suppress immune responses, offering promising avenues for new treatment approaches. The study highlights the role of the protein POSTN and TGF-β signaling in tumor progression and immune evasion.

SourceThe University of Hong Kong·JournalClinical and Translational Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 18, 2025

Pusan National University researchers develop self-protecting nanoparticles for effective treatment of colorectal cancer

Researchers at Pusan National University have developed a novel drug delivery system that uses nanoparticles to target and kill colorectal cancer cells. The system, which involves encapsulating cancer cell-activated nanoconjugates in an alginate matrix, can selectively deliver drugs to tumor cells while minimizing side effects.

SourcePusan National University·JournalChemical Engineering Journal·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 18, 2025

Opioids interfere with cancer immunotherapy but these drugs could help

New research from the University of Pittsburgh found that opioids can suppress the immune system and reduce the effectiveness of immunotherapy for head and neck cancer. However, peripherally restricted OPRM1 antagonists (PAMORAs) may block opioid-induced immunosuppression and improve response rates to immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·JournalJournal for ImmunoTherapy of Cancer·DateDec 5, 2024

New law regulating out-of-pocket drug spending saves cancer patients more than $7,000 a year, study finds

A new study by Michigan Medicine found that the Inflation Reduction Act's limit on Medicare Part D spending leads to significant savings for cancer patients prescribed oral chemotherapy. The average annual cost for these medications decreased from $11,284 in 2023 to $3,927 in 2024, resulting in median cost savings of $7,260.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalJAMA Network Open·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 10, 2024

Scientists discover how the body's killer cells attack cancer

Researchers have found that natural killer cells instinctively recognize and attack the XPO1 protein, which drives cancer growth. By targeting this protein, scientists may be able to activate more killer cells to destroy cancer cells. The study suggests that this approach could lead to personalized cancer treatment with less side effects.

SourceUniversity of Southampton·JournalScience Advances·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateAug 28, 2024

Using low-cost videoscopes to obtain accurate video “oral selfies” as screening for hpv-associated oropharyngeal cancer: a new screening technology?

Researchers used low-cost videoscopes to create high-quality 'oral selfies' for OPSCC screening, demonstrating their feasibility and effectiveness. The study's findings support the potential of these devices as a viable tool for widespread screening in resource-limited settings.

SourceXia & He Publishing Inc.·JournalCancer Screening and Prevention·DateAug 20, 2024

Progression of oral leukoplakia to cancer: importance on collection of leukoplakia and cancer tissues from disparate or same patients

The review explores the progression of oral leukoplakia to oral squamous cell carcinoma, highlighting genetic and epigenomic alterations, as well as sample collection methods for research and diagnosis. Advances in sequencing technologies and single-cell analyses are providing deeper insights into cancer progression.

SourceXia & He Publishing Inc.·JournalCancer Screening and Prevention·DateAug 19, 2024

Interdisciplinary team at MUSC Hollings Cancer Center maps role of P. gingivalis in drug resistance

An interdisciplinary team at MUSC Hollings Cancer Center discovered how P. gingivalis interferes with mitophagy, allowing oral cancer tumors to become resistant to chemotherapy. The study identified the role of fimbriae in attaching to specific proteins on the mitophagic membrane, blocking the chemotherapy drug from its attachment point.