Alexandria, VA, USA – A study examining global inequalities in oral cancer burden, evaluating policy and implementation responses, and assessing whether advances in precision oncology may mitigate or exacerbate these inequalities was presented at the 104th General Session of the IADR, which was held in conjunction with the 55th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Dental, Oral, and Craniofacial Research and the 50th Annual Meeting of the Canadian Association for Dental Research on March 25-28, 2026 in San Diego, CA, USA.
In the study, investigators analyzed oral cancer incidence and mortality using GLOBOCAN 2022 data and 2050 projections. WHO policy frameworks, national cancer strategies, and implementation research were reviewed to identify equity-oriented interventions. Developments in molecular diagnostics and targeted therapies were assessed for translational potential and equity implications.
The study determined that without equitable access, advances in precision oncology risk amplifying existing oral cancer inequalities. Coordinated strategies integrating scientific innovation, public health policy, and implementation frameworks are essential to achieving equitable outcomes.
The abstract, “Addressing Oral Cancer Inequalities: Policy, Implementation, and Precision Oncology” was presented by Kaushik Sengupta of ICON Plc, University of Copenhagen, Denmark during the “From Microbiome to Policy: Multilevel Drivers of Global Oral Health Disparities” Oral Session that took place on Thursday, March 26, 2026 at 2 p.m. PDT (UTC-7).
About IADR/AADOCR
The International Association for Dental, Oral, and Craniofacial Research (IADR) is a nonprofit organization with a mission to drive dental, oral, and craniofacial research for health and well-being worldwide. IADR represents the individual scientists, clinician-scientists, dental professionals, and students based in academic, government, non-profit, and private-sector institutions who share our mission. The American Association for Dental, Oral, and Craniofacial Research (AADOCR) is the largest division of IADR. Learn more at www.iadr.org.
