A new study led by researchers from Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research (JNCASR), Bengaluru and BRIC‑National Institute of Biomedical Genomics (NIBMG), Kalyani, in collaboration with clinicians from Sri Devraj Urs Academy of Higher Education and Research (SDUAHER), Kolar, has identified genetic mutations driving oral cancer among women, a step forward in understanding gender‑specific patterns of the disease.
The research focused on female patients from southern India, many of whom have a distinctive tobacco‑chewing habit known locally as “kaddipudi.” Analysis of paired tumour and blood samples revealed significant genetic alterations in a cohort of women diagnosed with oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC‑GB).
Using whole‑exome sequencing, the scientists pinpointed ten key genes with mutations in the female oral cancer group. Among these, mutations in CASP8 and TP53 stood out with CASP8 emerging as a likely “driver” mutation responsible for tumour development in these women. This finding differs from most previous oral‑cancer studies, which were largely centered on male patients.
Further analysis using artificial‑intelligence–driven deep learning to examine tumour tissues revealed that female patients fall into two distinct groups based on immune response profiles in their tumours suggesting that immune‑system differences may influence how oral cancer manifests and progresses in women.
Researchers say these discoveries especially identification of a female‑specific cancer driver mutation and immune‑response variation could pave the way for more personalised diagnostic and treatment strategies for oral cancer among women in India.
Given India’s heavy burden of oral cancer and high prevalence of tobacco‑chewing habits among women in certain regions, these findings underscore the importance of female‑focused research to tackle cancer more effectively.
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