Periodontist Comments On New Study Examining Diabetes Drug That May Be Able To Fight Oral Cancer

BEVERLY HILLS, CA (August 2012)— Because the number of people diagnosed with diabetes in the United States is on the rise, prescription medication therapies are too being quickly developed. Recently, scientists examined the ability of a widely used medication used to treat type 2 diabetes, metaformin, to fight oral cancer. Evidence suggests that metaformin has the ability to prevent the development of cancerous legions within the mouth, possibly preventing oral cancer. Los Angeles Periodontist, Dr, Alex Farnoosh comments, “Oral cancer is a dangerous condition that, like other cancers, needs to be detected early. As research in the field advances towards pre-screening methods, research into early prevention through medication therapy is just as important.” People suffering from diabetes are significantly more susceptible to oral problems like periodontal disease and other maladies of the mouth, this study highlights exciting possibilities for patients to not only manage their diabetes but to also prevent more serious complications that could develop.

Published by the American Association for Cancer Research in the April 3, 2012 issue of Cancer Prevention Research, the study yielded evidence that metformin was effective against mammalian target of rapamycin complex (mTORC1) with regard to lesion progression. Led by chief of the Oral and Pharyngeal Cancer Branch of the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research at the National Institutes of Health , J. Silvio Gutkind, PhD, scientists grew premalignant lesions in laboratory mice. Using metformin treatment against the lesions, researchers reported that the size and number of carcinogen- induced tumoral lesions were greatly reduced and further reduced the advancement of squamous cell carcinomas by 70 to 90 percent. By directly working against mTORC1, which is known to contribute to oral cancer, metformin targeted the basal layer of oral premalignancies and their ability to develop into head and neck squamous cell carcinomas. These findings provide strong support for the future of metformin as an oral cancer prevention therapy.

As an expert in periodontal and cosmetic procedures, Dr. Alex Farnoosh knows the dangers of oral cancer first hand. He explains, “Problems in the mouth pertaining to teeth and gums can progress quickly if ignored. Prevention is the best way to keep problems at bay. Regular brushing and flossing should be practiced, but more advanced ways to further protect a patient against diseases and cancer is fast becoming just as necessary. This study is very promising in what it could mean in the fight against cancer” More than just keeping his patients healthy, Dr. Alex Farnoosh is a pioneer in the field of cosmetic methods to fix problems resulting from mild to severe conditions in the mouth. Most notably, he is the founder of an advanced lip-lowering method to fix a gummy smile in addition to his expertise in periodontal surgery as a leader in dental implants in Los Angeles and beyond.

About The Total Smile:

The Total Smile was founded by Beverly Hills Periodontist Dr. Alex Farnoosh. Serving patients from around the globe at his Beverly Hills office for over 25 years, Dr. Farnoosh has proven expertise in the field of dentistry and offers many unique cosmetic and surgical services. Dr. Farnoosh specializes in dental implants, laser periodontal surgery, gum and bone grafting and his novel gum bleaching approach for treatment of dark and discolored gums and his lip-lowering treatment for a gummy smile. Dr. Farnoosh has been recognized by the Consumers’ Research Council of America (CRC) as one of America’s top dentists in their annual report since 2008. To learn more about Dr. Farnoosh and how to achieve The Total Smile, visit: www.thetotalsmile.com.