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
Christopher Solaman - Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences - German Studies
The Student life here is buzzing with hundreds of international students from all around the world. What I love in here is that you bump into students everywhere, from both Hungary and all around the world, and that despite our differences we are kinda accepted in town. I looked University of Szeged up on the internet and, when I saw that this was called the city of sunshine, it became clear in my mind that it would be the place, where I wanted to be as an Erasmus student. Szeged was far beyond my expectations, and I am glad to be able to admire the beauty of this city. The nature itself has the power to calm me down, so the Botanic Garden of the University is a special place to me.
Amin Alawar - Faculty of Science and Informatics - Biology (PhD)
Being awarded the Stipendium Hungaricum scholarship, I came from Lebanon to Szeged. Student life here is astonishing; I simply adore being a student at SZTE. A variety of foreign scholars, and young people have arrived here from all corners of the world. After having finished with academic work at the lab, there is still time for relaxing. The town itself is also impressive – my favourite place is Széchenyi tér.
