New Genetic Marker Salivary Gland Cancer in NZ Population? Dr Ailsa Goulding Scholar Kate McElroy

New Genetic Marker for Salivary Gland Cancer Investigated in the NZ Population.
Mucoepidermoid carcinoma is the most common malignant salivary gland cancer across people of all ages, but it is poorly understood and diagnosis of this cancer is often difficult. Accurate diagnosis of tumours is essential for both planning treatment and predicting survival for patients. Historically the outcomes and survival for patients with this type of cancer have been very poor, and consequently it has been an area of focus in contemporary cancer research.
A recent exciting development, has been the success of overseas research groups in identifying a specific genetic mutation (the t(11;19)(q21:p13) translocation and resultant CRTC1-MAML2 gene fusion) associated with this cancer, which has revolutionised the diagnosis of this cancer.
Funding from the Otago Medical Research Foundation - Ailsa Goulding grant has for the first time, enabled New Zealand researchers to investigate this mutation in cases of mucoepidermoid carcinoma in the New Zealand population. Researchers hope that the use of this cutting edge diagnostic technology will eventually provide the gold standard of care for the diagnosis of this cancer in future, and help to inform our prognostication and management of these devastating cancers.