BHU Develops World’s First Molecular Classification of Oral Cancer

Banaras Hindu University (BHU) have achieved a major scientific milestone by developing the world’s first systematic molecular classification of oral cancer.

The landmark study was published on December 25 in the reputed journal Mutation Research/Reviews in Mutation Research and is expected to transform oral cancer diagnosis and treatment, particularly in India and Southeast Asia, where disease burden is high.

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BHU Develops World’s First Molecular Classification of Oral Cancer

Landmark Study from Banaras Hindu University

The research was led by the Department of Surgical Oncology, BHU, with support from:

• Health Technology Assessment in India (HTAIn) – BHU team
• Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) under the DIAMOnDS programme

The team analysed genomic data and evidence from over 8,000 scientific studies, moving beyond traditional morphology-based diagnosis toward a molecular understanding of oral cancer.

Five Molecular Pathways Identified

The study identifies five distinct biological subtypes of oral cancer:

1. Cell-Cycle Dysregulation (CCD)
2. Immune-Mediated (IM)
3. Xenobiotic Metabolism-Associated (XMA)
4. Inflammatory Pathway Activation (IPA)
5. Viral Protein Activation (VPA)

Each subtype is linked to specific genes and molecular mechanisms, enabling oncologists to select targeted therapies such as:

• HER2 inhibitors
• PARP inhibitors
• Tailored immunotherapies

This marks a shift away from one-size-fits-all chemotherapy.

India-Specific Relevance and Precision Medicine

Unlike Western cancer models, the BHU framework highlights:

• The dominant role of tobacco and betel quid consumption in Indian oral cancer cases
• The limited role of human papillomavirus (HPV) in most Indian patients

This prevents inappropriate adoption of Western treatment protocols and supports evidence-based, patient-specific precision oncology tailored to Indian conditions.

Clinical Impact and Implementation Challenges

The researchers emphasise a “Right Drug for the Right Patient” approach, which can:

• Reduce trial-and-error treatments
• Lower financial burden on families
• Improve survival outcomes

While the model is expected to be adopted by referral labs and oncology centres, challenges remain:

• High cost of molecular testing
• Limited drug availability
• Need for large-scale clinical trials before nationwide rollout

Exam-Oriented Key Facts

• World’s first molecular classification of oral cancer developed in India
• Research conducted at Banaras Hindu University
• Study published on December 25
• Five molecular subtypes identified
• Emphasises precision medicine over conventional chemotherapy
• Tobacco and betel quid are key risk factors in India

Question & Answer

Q1. Which institution developed the world’s first molecular classification of oral cancer?
(a) AIIMS New Delhi
(b) Tata Memorial Centre
(c) Banaras Hindu University
(d) ICMR
Answer: Banaras Hindu University

Q2. How many molecular subtypes of oral cancer have been identified in the BHU study?
(a) Three
(b) Four
(c) Five
(d) Six
Answer: Five

Q3. The study on molecular classification of oral cancer was published in which journal?
(a) Nature Medicine
(b) Lancet Oncology
(c) Mutation Research/Reviews in Mutation Research
(d) Journal of Clinical Oncology
Answer: Mutation Research/Reviews in Mutation Research

Q4. Which risk factor plays a major role in oral cancer cases in India, as highlighted by the study?
(a) Alcohol consumption
(b) Tobacco and betel quid use
(c) Viral infections
(d) Air pollution
Answer: Tobacco and betel quid use

Q5. The new classification primarily supports which approach in cancer treatment?
(a) Uniform chemotherapy
(b) Herbal medicine
(c) Precision medicine
(d) Radiation-only therapy
Answer: Precision medicine

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