Research summary
Oral cancer has one of the lowest five-year survival rates among major cancers, mainly because it is difficult to predict which early oral lesions will progress to cancer. Current diagnostic tools cannot reliably identify high-risk cases, leading to both overtreatment and missed opportunities for early intervention. As Canada Research Chair in Oral Cancer Research, Dr. Catherine Poh is developing a powerful new test to transform how oral precancerous lesions are assessed and managed.
Drawing on a uniquely annotated sample bank, she and her research team are combining genomic sequencing with advanced imaging to uncover the molecular changes linked to cancer progression. By integrating multi-omic data, they aim to develop actionable biomarkers that distinguish high-risk lesions from benign ones. This will enable personalized treatment plans that reduce unnecessary interventions and improve survival. Ultimately, their work will advance precision medicine in cancer prevention.