Archive · 5 Dec 2025
Scientists Discover Genetic Clues to Oral Cancer in Women
Scientists in India have found important genetic clues about oral cancer in women.
They studied women in the southern part of the country who have a habit of chewing tobacco.
Using advanced technology, they discovered that two genes, CASP8 and TP53, are often mutated in these women.
Unlike previous studies mostly on men, they found that CASP8 is a key driver of cancer in women.
This discovery helps us understand why oral cancer is so aggressive in women and how we can better treat it.
The team is now working to understand how these mutations cause cancer.
This research is important because oral cancer is a big problem in India, especially among women who chew tobacco.
Indian scientists discovered oral cancer-causing driver gene mutations in women patients in southern India.
The study focused on women with a unique tobacco-chewing habit (Kaddipudi) in the Kolar district of Karnataka.
Using whole-exome sequencing and AI analysis, researchers identified ten key genes with significant mutations, including CASP8 and TP53.
CASP8 was found to be a unique driver mutation in female oral cancer patients, different from previously studied mutations in men.
The findings suggest that co-occurring TP53 and CASP8 mutations lead to a more aggressive and lethal form of oral cancer in women.
- Who
- Indian scientists from JNCASR, NIBMG, and SDUAHER
- What
- Discovered genetic mutations linked to oral cancer in women
- When
- The study was published in the Clinical and Translational Medicine Journal
- Where
- Southern India, specifically Kolar district of Karnataka
- Why
- To understand the unique manifestations and progression of oral cancer in women and to improve treatment
- Research Team
- JNCASR, NIBMG, SDUAHER
- Study Focus
- Female oral cancer patients in southern India
- Key Genes Identified
- CASP8 and TP53
- Unique Mutation
- CASP8 as a driver mutation
- Research Method
- Whole-exome sequencing and AI analysis
- Publication
- Clinical and Translational Medicine Journal