Researchers at Duke University in the United States have developed a new method for diagnosing oropharyne cancer caused by human papillomavirus, HPV. This new diagnostic method, called an acoustic-fluidic test for salivary exosome isolation, identifies the strain of the HPV virus responsible for this type of cancer through saliva collection.
The researchers found that this method, compared to others that already existed, allowed for rapid identification of the virus, which represented a rapid onset of treatment and a higher likelihood of recovery. According to the researchers, this test is important for the diagnosis of oropharyne cancer, especially in young people, who usually do not go to the doctor without symptoms.
- Several studies have been conducted with the aim of diagnosing oropharyne cancer from the detection of HPV virus in saliva.
- But these studies have not shown satisfactory results.
- Mainly due to saliva viscosity and sampling method.
- For this reason.
- Researchers at Duke University have developed an acoustic fluid test.
- Based on two biophysical.
- Acoustic and microfluidic principles.
- Corresponding to a simple device that works in automatic steps.
- Without the need for instruments.
- Qualified technicians.
- In addition.
- The acoustic fluid test is able to perform insulation in a short time.
- Up to 20 minutes.
- And no large sample is required.
Based on the acoustic-fluid test developed, it was possible to isolate the salivary exosoma and identify the strain of the HPV virus responsible for the disease, HPV-16, regardless of salivary viscosity and collection method, being therefore a more effective method than the previous ones. . Salivary exosoma is a complex of proteins present in saliva that, in oropharynse cancer, can be rich in biomarkers associated with the HPV-16 virus, making the diagnosis of the disease more sensitive and effective, as well as improving prognosis.
Researchers found that this test proved a high performance and a high degree of purity with respect to salivary exosome isolation, which can also be applied to liquid biopsies.
Currently, the diagnosis of oropharynx cancer is made by evaluating the signs and symptoms presented by the person and the results of tests that should be indicated by the doctor, such as laryngoscopy, biopsy endoscopy and imaging tests. However, these tests are most often done only when the person develops signs and symptoms related to the disease, which often occurs only in later stages.
Therefore, diagnosing this type of cancer through saliva is a way to make the diagnosis faster, less invasive and more accurate, and the onset of treatment is also faster if necessary.