Oral Cavity, Larynx, and Pharynx

DCEG researchers conduct studies on cancers of the oral cavity, larynx, and pharynx. The majority of oral cavity and larynx cancers are due to tobacco and alcohol use. Some cancers of the oropharynx, a subsite of the pharynx, are caused by infection with the human papillomavirus (HPV).

Selected studies include:

  • Fanconi Anemia Cancer Screening Study

    The Fanconi Anemia Cancer Screening Study seeks to improve cancer screening in people with Fanconi anemia (FA), the most common Inherited Bone Marrow Failure Syndrome (IBMFS). The study is enrolling new participants.

  • Genomic Analysis of Human Papillomavirus (HPV)

    There is huge variability in risk of precancer and cancer conferred by different HPV types that is poorly explained. HPV type 16 is known to cause half of all cervical cancer cases worldwide, however, the specific reason for its carcinogenicity has been elusive. The HPV Genomics Project is designed to interrogate the relationship between sequence changes in the HPV genome and carcinogenicity.

  • Natural History of Oral Cancer Precursor Lesions

    The NCI is conducting two studies to investigate the natural history of clinically-defined oral precursor lesions to investigate the epidemiologic and molecular progression of oral cancer and guide the clinical management of patients with oral cancer precursor lesions.

  • Oral Cancer Risk Prediction and Risk-Based Screening Strategies

    The NCI is collaborating with researchers at the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), Regional Cancer Center Trivandrum, and the US Cohort Consortium to develop and validate risk prediction models and investigate risk-based oral cancer screening strategies for oral cancer.

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