IIT researchers identify protein in saliva that may predict breast cancer

The team’s method of diagnosis is based on the fact that breast cancer patients have impaired salivary gland function. “Their protein structure also changes. Thus, an effective biomarker can be obtained if the difference can be identified and quantified,” the release said.

According to researchers, breast cancer is the most prevalent form of cancer among women in India, with over 1.6 lakh cases and over 80,000 deaths annually.

He said that about 10 to 15% of all breast cancers are metastatic TNBC, the most aggressive form that does not respond to common hormonal and HER2-protein targeting drugs.

Kiran Ambatipudi, an associate professor in the Department of Bio-Sciences and Bio-Engineering at IIT Roorkee, served as the team leader. The team consisted of doctoral students Kuldeep Giri and Sudeepa Maity.

Ambatipudi said, “Delayed detection is the primary reason for the high morbidity rate of breast cancer patients in India. This requires the development of techniques that are not only non-invasive, but also detect cancer in their early stages. are sensitive enough to

What is triple-negative breast cancer?

Triple-negative breast cancer is a type of breast cancer that does not have any of the receptors commonly found in breast cancer.

The term triple-negative breast cancer refers to the fact that cancer cells do not have estrogen or progesterone receptors as well as do not make any or too much of a protein called HER2 (a protein that helps breast cancer cells grow rapidly). Helps to grow) ) cells test “negative” on all 3 tests.

These cancers are more common in women under the age of 40, who are black, or who have a BRCA1 (breast cancer gene 1) mutation.

Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is considered an aggressive cancer because it grows rapidly, making it more likely to spread when detected. In addition, it is more likely to come back after treatment than other types of breast cancer.

(with inputs from PTI)