Soon, a little saliva will be enough to detect cancer

According to the National Cancer Institute (INCa), the number of new cancer cases in mainland France is estimated to be 433,136 in 2023. Sometimes, diagnosis is difficult, thus delaying the implementation of treatment. In Sweden, researchers at the University of Gothenburg may have found a solution to speed things up.

The team developed an efficient way to interpret changes in certain molecules within glycans. What is it about? Glycan structure determines protein function. “It has been known for some time that changes in glycan structure can indicate inflammation or disease in the body

“, ScitTechDaily site details. Today, Swedish researchers have developed a way to distinguish different types of structural changes.

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“We analyzed data from approximately 220 patients with 11 differently diagnosed cancers and identified differences in glycan substructure depending on cancer type. By applying our newly developed, AI-enhanced method to large amounts of data, we were able to identify these connections“, reports Daniel Bowser, Associate Lecturer in Bioinformatics at the University of Gothenburg and lead author of the study published in the journal Cell.

A “reliable and fast” method

In particular, scientists used a new method based on artificial intelligence: “We can trust our results; They are statistically significant. If we know what we are looking for, it is easier to get the right result. We will now use these biomarkers and develop test methods“.Using mass spectrometers, the team wants to analyze samples from certain cancers, such as lung cancer. It will then be possible to detect the disease earlier and improve treatment options.

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“We want to develop a reliable and rapid analytical method to detect cancer, but also the type of cancer, using blood or saliva samples. I think we will be able to do clinical testing on human samples in 4-5 years

“, assures Daniel Bodger.

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