Mon Dec 01 13:04:38 UTC 2025: Here’s a summary of the text:
Researchers in Mumbai have identified specific genetic markers that significantly increase the risk of oral cancer among tobacco chewers in India. The study, published in eBioMedicine, compared the genomes of individuals with and without oral cancer, finding genetic risk loci on chromosomes 5 and 6. Those with a high genetic risk score developed cancer nearly a decade earlier than those with a low score. The findings highlight the interplay between genetics and lifestyle factors, suggesting that genetic predisposition plays a crucial role in enhancing the risk of oral cancer among tobacco users in India. This research could pave the way for better prediction, early detection, and prevention strategies for this prevalent cancer.
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Indian Scientists Identify Genes Linked to Early-Onset Oral Cancer in Tobacco Chewers
Mumbai, India – December 1, 2025 – In a breakthrough study published today, researchers at the Advanced Centre for Treatment, Research and Education in Cancer (ACTREC) at Tata Memorial Centre (TMC) in Mumbai announced the discovery of key genetic markers that significantly increase susceptibility to oral cavity cancer, particularly among tobacco chewers in India.
The research, published in eBioMedicine, identified specific risk loci on chromosomes 5 and 6 that are associated with the earlier onset of Buccal Mucosa cancer. The Genome-Wide Association study (GWAS) compared over 2,000 cases of the cancer with a control group of over 2,300 individuals.
“Our findings show that tobacco chewers with a high polygenic risk score, indicating greater genetic susceptibility, developed Buccal Mucosa cancer about 10 years sooner than those with lower scores,” said Dr. Pankaj Chaturvedi, Director of ACTREC. “The risk attributed to genetic susceptibility markers is double for those with a high genetic risk score compared to those with a low genetic risk score,” he added.
Oral cancer is a major health concern in India, accounting for a significant number of cancer cases, primarily due to the high prevalence of tobacco chewing. This study provides a clear genetic explanation for why some tobacco users develop the disease earlier and more aggressively than others.
“Understanding these genetic predispositions can lead to better prediction of oral cavity cancer development among tobacco chewers,” explained Dr. Rajesh Dikshit, Director of the Centre for Cancer Epidemiology (CCE). Further research will focus on exploring the immune pathways and nicotine receptor-encoding genes involved in oral cancer development, potentially leading to targeted prevention strategies and early detection methods.
The research team emphasized the need for Indian-specific genetic data, as differences were observed compared to European populations. This discovery marks a significant step forward in the fight against oral cancer in India, offering hope for improved prevention and treatment strategies tailored to individual genetic risk.
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