The Fight Against Oral Cancer
Scientists at the University of Szeged are looking for ways to detect the early signs of periodontitis and oral cancer. They are also looking into the causes of these conditions, which are widespread in Hungary, as well as studying the possibilities to improve prevention and the factors influencing treatment.
Hungary is ranked in the top 3 countries in the world with the highest number of oral cavity cancer cases and in Hungary, most people die from this type of cancer. Gum inflammation is also an endemic condition in Hungary affecting every third person.
Scientists at the University of Szeged are investigating oral cancer and periodontitis in order to understand the factors leading to these diseases and to assess which of these factors could be harnessed for a successful treatment. The microbe communities which playing a role in oral cavity diseases can be identified from genetic sequencing.
In order to fight periodontal inflammations, the researchers are trying to identify the changes in the composition of these microbial communities that may contribute to the disease as these changes can then be targeted by antibiotic therapy. Researchers are also investigating whether the surface modifications of titanium implants, used in dental prosthetics, influence the attachment of the body’s cells and whether this in turn may inhibit the growth of bacteria on titanium surfaces leading to inflammation.
In the case of oral cancer, researchers are attempting to identify biomarkers that may enable the recognition of a malignant tumour at an early stage. Currently, patient survival rates are very low with only half of all patients living longer than five years following diagnosis.
SZTE Experience
Dianne - Faculty of Science and Informatics
I am a PhD student and a Stipendium Hungaricum scholarship holder from the Philippines. I am currently pursuing my PhD in Environmental Science and I happen to be in my 3rd year of studies. I chose University of Szeged because its one of the top ranked research university in Hungary known for its good reputation in the fields of health and natural sciences. Coming from the Philippines with a warm climate, I had huge preference of Szeged for my studies, the city having the most rays of sunshine and considered to be the warmest place in Hungary. I would advise all the prospective students to join University of Szeged’s diverse and vibrant community! Don’t be afraid to leave your comfort zone, try to find and establish your niche in a new place like what I did. I didn’t regret coming to Szeged as it continuously provides me an enabling learning environment for various reasons, has affordable cost of living, very safe and calm university town, organized transport system, beautiful and clean surroundings with the very sightly Tisza River which adds to its appeal, and also holds many festivals throughout the year. After graduation, I am planning to go back to my home institution and continue my teaching duties at the University of the Philippines Los Baños
Ahmad Adha - Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences
I am Ahmad Adha from Indonesia and currently a 3rd year student in Theoretical Linguistics PhD program. I chose the University of Szeged (SZTE) as my study destination because it is located in the center of the town and it is also the highest ranked university in Hungary. The university staff and the professors were very accommodating and understanding when I decided to change the program that suits my research topic. I am so glad that I can be a part of my current department, and of course SZTE, since it is also the Center of Pragmatic Research which aims to promote advanced linguistic pragmatic research with international collaborations. After graduating, I wish to continue to work in my academic field as a professor and a researcher. My advice for prospective SZTE students is to choose a university with a good academic reputation that fits their passion.
