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    1. Dentistry
    2. Oral Cancer

    Study supports role of tissue autofluorescence in oral cancer screening

    Nov. 17, 2016
    A recent study assessing the accuracy of autofluorescence in diagnosing oral squamous cell carcinoma and oral potentially malignant disorders concludes that autofluorescence is a promising, noninvasive tool for early diagnosis of oral cancer. The study's authors also say that using autofluorescence as an adjunctive imaging tool for oral cancer screening may be most reliable in the hands of oral specialists but that the use of promising clinical decision-making algorithms could facilitate its adoption in primary care.

    Study conclusions are highly supportive of the use of VELscope as an adjunctive visualization tool to help in the management of oral cancerous and precancerous lesions


    LED Medical Diagnostics Inc. (TSX-V: LMD) is pleased to announce the results of a meta-analysis on the clinical use of autofluorescence to assess its accuracy for oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) and oral potentially malignant disorders (OPMD) and investigate its applicability in general dental practice. The study by Luo et al. (1) titled "Accuracy of Autofluorescence in Diagnosing Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma and Oral Potentially Malignant Disorders: A Comparative Study with Aero-Digestive Lesions" was published in Scientific Reports, an online, open-access journal from the publishers of Nature, a leading weekly international scientific journal.

    The study was a meta-analysis of previously published data to assess the accuracy of autofluorescence in diagnosing OSCC and OPMD and reported the findings of statistical analyses conducted on 24 previously reported studies detecting OSCC and OPMD in 2,761 total lesions. The study reported a pooled sensitivity and specificity of the use of autofluorescence for the detection of OSCC and OPMD of 0.89 and 0.80 respectively, concluding that autofluorescence is a promising, noninvasive tool for the early diagnosis of oral cancer. The study’s authors also remark that using autofluorescence technology as an adjunctive imaging tool for oral cancer screening may be most reliable in the hands of oral specialists, but that the use of promising clinical decision-making algorithms could facilitate its adoption in primary care as well.

    READ MORE | 10 steps to perform an oral cancer screening

    "The results of this study will be of great interest to patients and practitioners alike," commented Dr. David Gane, CEO of LED. "The results further validate the use of autofluorescence-based imaging tools, such as the VELscope, in the management of oral tissue abnormalities, including oral cancer. This report adds to the growing body of evidence that corroborates the use of the VELscope as an effective adjunct in screening for the presence of oral cancers and precancers. As acknowledged in the study, adjunct diagnostic aids are desperately needed by front-line dental practitioners to facilitate the early detection of OSCC and dysplasia.”

    Dr. David Morgan, chief technology officer of LED’s wholly-owned subsidiary, LED Dental Inc., remarked, “The authors’ conclusion pertaining to the importance of using autofluorescence within a clinical decision-making algorithm for general practitioners is something that we wholeheartedly support and have been advocating for years. It is also important to note that although this study is a very thorough analysis of the peer-reviewed literature relating to early diagnosis, the VELscope Vx is not approved as a stand-alone diagnostic device but rather as an adjunct to enhance the visualization of oral abnormalities.”

    READ MORE | How to maximize oral cancer screening reimbursement

    There are more than 40,000 new cases of oral cancer diagnosed in the United States alone every year and early detection is critical for survival. When oral cancer is detected early, the five-year survival rate rises from less than 50% to more than 80%. VELscope systems are used during more examinations for oral cancer and other oral diseases than any other adjunctive device. For more information, visit velscope.com.

    About LED Medical Diagnostics
    Founded in 2003 and headquartered in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, LED Medical Diagnostics Inc., through its wholly-owned subsidiaries LED Dental Inc. and LED Dental Ltd, provide dentists and oral health specialists with advanced diagnostic imaging products and software, in addition to the award-winning VELscope Vx tissue fluorescence visualization technology. LED is currently listed on the TSX-V under the symbol LMD, the OTCQX under the symbol LEDIF, as well as the Frankfurt Stock Exchange under the symbol LME.

    About Nature Research
    Nature Research is a portfolio of high-quality products and services across the life, physical, chemical, and applied sciences, including journals, online databases, and researcher services, which are dedicated to serving the scientific community. Nature (founded in 1869) is the leading weekly, international scientific journal and sits at the heart of the brand. Nature Research also publishes a range of Nature-branded research and reviews subscription journals, alongside leading open-access multidisciplinary journal Nature Communications and other open-access journals, including Scientific Reports and a range of partner journals known collectively as the Nature Partner Journals. Nature Research is part of Springer Nature, a leading global research, educational, and professional publisher. For more information, visit nature.com.

    Reference
    1. Accuracy of autofluorescence in diagnosing oral squamous cell carcinoma and oral potentially malignant disorders: a comparative study with aero-digestive lesions. Scientific Reports. Nature Publishing Group. Article number: 29943. Published July 15, 2016. Accessed November 17, 2016. doi:10.1038/srep29943). For access to the complete study, visit http://www.nature.com/articles/srep29943.