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
Hamza Baniata – Faculty of Science and Informatics
I am Hamza Baniata, a first-year student at the Doctoral School of Computer Science, and I am From Jordan. SZTE is continuously supporting research and it has an internationally recognized, highly ranked group of professors. It also offers courses and research topics that are strongly related to my research field; Cloud Computing, Fog Computing and Internet of Things. All of this motivated me to apply to the University/Department of Software Engineering. Szeged is a calm city, full of love and peace. The University of Szeged is similar to the city, which provides the perfect environment for creation and development. Studying at the university requires a high level of effort, commitment and seriousness. Applying to the university and having these characteristics are my two pieces of advice to prospective students. It is very early to define my future now, but I am planning to apply to a research position in my field after graduation and if I had the opportunity, I would love to contribute my effort and knowledge in advancing such a wonderful and respected university.
Olney Rodrigues - Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences
My name is Olney Rodrigues de Oliveira and I am from Brazil. I am currently pursuing my PhD studies in the Doctoral School of Education at SZTE. I chose the University of Szeged because it’s one of the best universities in Europe, especially in the field of education. I personally love Szeged because it is safe and I love the architecture, the cultural events, the local Market Mars Tér and so many other beautiful destinations. For my studies I wanted to have an excellent university in a good quality life city and Szeged offers me that. It’s neither too big nor too small, I can ride my bike to go to my classes and practically everything is within a walking distance. I would advise the prospective students to enjoy the city during their stay, the cultural and historical events, know other international students and make a lot of friends, visit other cities in Hungary and make good memories. I am pretty sure that you will be proud of this priceless experience. Before coming to Hungary I worked several years as a teacher. I love the academic environment, the libraries, relationship with students and the feeling to be involved in the acquisition of new knowledge. That is why I plan to be part of a University as a professor as well as to keep researching in different aspects of the process of education. I am so thankful to be here and I believe that the Universe brought me to Szeged because the city and the University are the experience that I need in my life now.
