Gargle Test May Help Diagnose Head And Neck Cancer

Med Headlines - A study conducted at Johns Hopkins Kimmel Cancer Center suggests that something as simple as a morning gargle could help diagnose head and neck cancers. The study, which was reported in the January 1 issue of Clinical Cancer Research, demonstrated that a “swish and spit” assay can detect tumor suppressor genes that are turned off in most head and neck tumors.To conduct the test, a patient brushes the surfaces of the oral cavity with an exfoliating brush, then gargles and rinses with 20 milliliters of normal saline. A specialized form of polymerase chain reaction allows the detection of tumor suppressor genes in the salivary rinse.

Dr. Joseph Califano, who conducted the study along with his colleagues at Johns Hopkins, said the most practical application of the test would in patients who have undergone curative treatment for head and neck cancer. Such patients are at increased risk both for recurrence and for a second primary cancer. Although the markers in the study aren’t quite ready for clinical use, Dr. Califano said he is “optimistic” that such an application is on the horizon. “The next generation of swish and spit will probably be a pretty powerful predictor for recurrence of head and neck cancer. I think we’re getting close.”

Head and neck cancer accounts for about 3% to 5% of all cancers in the United States. Head and neck cancer is a term used to describe a range of malignant (cancerous) tumors that can appear in or around the throat, larynx, nose, sinuses, and mouth.

Filed under: Cancer, Head and Neck Cancer, Medical Research