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Page: << Prev | 1 | 2 | 3 | Next >> Similarly, a small subset of proteins and mRNAs appears to serve as markers for Sjogren's syndrome.
Early detection of oral cancer via saliva testing could potentially help boost survival rates among the more than 31,000 Americans that the American Cancer Society estimates are currently diagnosed with some form of oral cancer each year. Approximately 7,000 men and women die from the disease annually.
An even larger patient pool now combats Sjogren's syndrome, a disorder in which white blood cells attack moisture-producing glands, causing dry eyes and dry mouth. The syndrome affects upwards of 4 million Americans.
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The potential of the work now under way by Wong and his team is supported by experts at the American Association for Dental Research. They believe that saliva, like blood and urine, can be viewed as a repository of important information on illness and exposure to environmental substances.
Already, new tests are being developed that use saliva to detect measles, mumps, rubella, hepatitis (A, B and C), breast cancer, Alzheimer's disease, and cystic fibrosis.
In 2004, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved a saliva-based test for HIV, the virus that causes AIDS. Future diagnostic tests may also ultimately rely on saliva for indications of unhealthful exposure to lead, as well as to monitor abuse of drugs or alcohol.
Wong said that the objective is to place easy-to-use saliva-screening technologies in the hands of physicians, dentists and nurses as quickly as possible.
"This is truly an exciting and revolutionary goal," he said, adding that current efforts aim "to establish the scientific credibility and clinical utilities of saliva."
Dr. Robert Genco is a distinguished professor of oral biology and microbiology in the Schools of Dentistry and Medicine at the State University of New York in Buffalo. He agreed that saliva-based diagnostics show real promise.
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