Oral Cancer Research: Oral cancer is one of the fastest-growing cancers. Currently, treatment for this disease involves surgery, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy.
New treatment for oral cancer
Can Ultrasound Kill Oral Cancer Cells? Oral cancer is one of the fastest-growing cancers in India. The biggest reason for this is believed to be excessive consumption of tobacco and betel nut. Currently, surgery, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy are used to treat this disease, but these methods carry the risk of damaging healthy cells along with cancer cells. Consequently, patients face numerous side effects. However, a new study has now shown a ray of hope for treatment.
What did the scientists discover?
In a new study, scientists at the Indian Institute of Science have found that oral cancer cells can be targeted using low-frequency ultrasound. Importantly, this process has minimal impact on surrounding healthy cells. If further research yields similar results, this technique could become a safe and less harmful option for treating oral cancer in the future.
Tested on Oral Tumor Samples
During this study, the scientists, in collaboration with doctors at MS Ramaiah Medical College and Hospital, conducted tests on oral tumor samples obtained from patients. Using samples directly from patients rather than lab-grown cancer cells allowed the researchers to obtain results more accurate to real-life conditions.
Cannot withstand light mechanical stress
The study revealed that oral cancer cells are unable to withstand the mild mechanical pressure generated by ultrasound. One reason for this is believed to be low levels of a protein called tropomyosin 2.1. This protein helps normal cells sense and protect against external pressure. When ultrasound was applied to cancer cells, they began to die, while the effect on healthy cells was limited.
How is ultrasound beneficial?
Researchers also found that ultrasound not only kills cancer cells but also significantly reduces their ability to spread. This technique also weakens the protective layer around tumors, which often prevents drugs and the body's immune cells from reaching the cancer. This could also help improve the effectiveness of medications in the future.
It can open the way for the future
Scientists say that ultrasound is already used in medicine as a safe and non-invasive technique. Therefore, if further preclinical and clinical trials yield positive results, it could open up new possibilities for treating oral cancer, as well as other cancers such as breast and skin cancer. However, this research is currently in its early stages, and many more trials will be required before it can be adopted as a routine treatment.
