Riya Verma’s Remarkable Journey through ICMR STS Program Unveils Potential Prognostic Markers for Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma

In a remarkable journey filled with determination and discovery, Riya Verma, a passionate dental intern from the Maulana Azad Institute of Dental Sciences, has left an indelible mark in the field of oral cancer research. Her groundbreaking research project, made possible through the prestigious Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) Short-Term Studentship (STS) program, focuses on the prognosis of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC), offering valuable insights into potential indicators of severity and prognosis for patients.

Miss Riya Verma, a dynamic dental intern with a burning passion for her field, embarked on a journey of scientific exploration that has set her apart as a rising star in the world of dentistry. Alongside her academic pursuits, Riya is the driving force behind ‘dr_mccavity,’ a platform where she shares valuable insights on oral health and her personal adventures in the dental profession. Moreover, Riya, in collaboration with her friend Sumit, authored the enlightening book ‘The Dental Footprints,’ which celebrates the remarkable journeys of successful dentists from various specialties, aiming to inspire and ignite the passion of young dental students.

Can you please introduce yourself?

Hey there, I’m Riya Verma, a dental intern currently studying at the awesome Maulana Azad Institute of Dental Sciences. I’ve got a passion for dentistry that’s been burning bright ever since I first heard about the ICMR -STS program. I set my sights on being a part of it, and I’m proud to say I not only snagged a spot but also completed the program with flying colors. But wait, my journey doesn’t stop there! I’ve got a little project of my own called ‘dr_mccavity’ where I share all things related to oral health and spill the beans on my own adventure in the dental world. Now, here’s the real exciting part: during my third year in college, I teamed up with my buddy Sumit to co-author a cool book called ‘The Dental Footprints.’ We wanted to uncover the amazing stories of successful dentists from different specialties and share their inspiring journeys. Our goal? To sprinkle a little positivity about dentistry among the young dental students and ignite their passion for this field! 🦷📚

Could you provide a brief overview of your research project?

In our study, we looked at 60 cases, with 30 of them being patients diagnosed with oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) and the other 30 being healthy individuals for comparison. Our goal was to see if certain blood markers, specifically the Neutrophil-Lymphocyte Ratio (NLR), Platelet-Lymphocyte Ratio (PLR), and Mean Platelet Volume (MPV), could provide insights into the severity and prognosis of OSCC. We found that NLR and PLR were particularly promising in this regard. These markers, which can be easily measured through routine blood tests, showed a strong correlation with both the histological grading of the cancer and its TNM staging, which is a way to determine how advanced the cancer is. This suggests that NLR and PLR could serve as valuable prognostic indicators for OSCC patients. On the other hand, Mean Platelet Volume (MPV) didn’t seem to have as strong a connection to prognosis in OSCC as NLR and PLR did. In summary, our research suggests that NLR and PLR are important factors to consider when assessing the prognosis of oral squamous cell carcinoma. These markers are not only reliable but also readily available, making them potentially valuable tools in predicting the outcome of cancer.

What motivated you to choose this particular research topic?

I stumbled upon some research papers by dentists that really caught my attention, especially those focused on oral squamous cell carcinoma. I found them incredibly fascinating, and they ignited a strong desire in me to dive into similar research. However, being a final-year student, I was a bit lost when it came to choosing the right topic. So, when I approached my teacher for help in finding a suitable research topic, she was kind enough to suggest something related to oral cancer. I was absolutely thrilled and excited about the prospect of delving into this subject!

How did you become interested in the ICMR STS program, and whatwas your application process like?

I got really interested in the ICMR STS program after I read Anisha Valli’s interview in the IDA student magazine. It just sounded so intriguing and different from the typical college experiences that everyone was talking about. I was eager to break away from the norm and explore something unique, something that most people weren’t even considering. Plus, I had this strong urge to try out different opportunities and really find what I was passionate about. This determination of mine was what kept me going and made me decide to go for the program no matter what. Now, the application process, I won’t lie, it was quite challenging. At first, I didn’t have a clue about many aspects of it. But as time went on, I started to grasp it better and learn so much along the way.

How did you design your research proposal and select yourmethodology?

I worked closely with my mentor, Professor Dr. Priya Kumar, from the Oral Pathology and Microbiology Department at Maulana Azad Institute of Dental Sciences to develop my research proposal and methodology. I also reached out to some postgraduate students in the PhD department for help with the tricky statistical analysis, which I initially found quite challenging to wrap my head around. But as I started to see the results, I was not only pleasantly surprised but also found that I was getting a much better understanding of the concepts involved.

Were there any unexpected challenges or obstacles that you encountered during your research process? How did you overcome them?

Absolutely, there were quite a few hurdles I faced during my research journey. To give you some context, I was in the midst of my final year professional exams at that time. Gathering cases, writing up detailed case histories, and collecting patients’ blood reports, among other things, proved to be quite a challenge. I must admit, it was a bit overwhelming for me to handle all of it on my own. Fortunately, I had the support of my amazing parents and friends who pitched in to help me complete the tasks. While many people around me were quick to point out that I might have bitten off more than I could chew by taking on this research project alongside my exams, a few of my closest friends and my parents were my biggest cheerleaders. They believed in me and encouraged me to believe in myself. And you know what? I managed to pull it off! I turned my dream into a reality, and that feeling of accomplishment was truly priceless.

Are there any specific tips or insights you would offer to future STS applicants to increase their chances of success?

To all the future STS candidates out there, I want to stress the importance of giving it a shot, even if you’re feeling a bit overwhelmed and things seem tough. You might be surprised by what could turn into your real passion. Remember, patience is key. Research can’t make progress without your patience and determination. So, keep at it and stay persistent!

Is there anyone you would like to acknowledge or express gratitude to for their support during your research project?

I would begin by expressing my gratitude to Lord Ganesha for granting me the opportunity to pursue this research. Next, I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to my parents for their unwavering support. I am also deeply appreciative of my mentor, Dr. Priya Kumar, and the postgraduate students who played an integral role in ensuring the completeness of this journey.

Riya Verma’s pioneering research exemplifies the power of determination, curiosity, and the unwavering support of loved ones. As she continues her academic pursuits, her future promises further discoveries and contributions to the field of dentistry. Her journey stands as a testament to the boundless potential of young researchers to make a significant impact in healthcare and inspire future generations.