Oral carcinomas are the most frequently diagnosed cancers in the Northern Province of Sri Lanka, where rates far exceed those observed globally. Despite this high incidence, there is a significant lack of understanding regarding the factors contributing to these cancers.

To address this gap, an initiative led by Dr. Mobeen Rahman, MD, Stanford associate professor of head and neck pathology, and his team aims to characterize oral carcinomas by leveraging an existing database and biopsy samples through a collaboration with the Teaching Hospital Jaffna.

Utilizing cutting-edge technologies such as multiplex and spatial transcriptomics, this project will generate comprehensive datasets to enhance understanding of the cause and mechanisms of these oral cancers. Ultimately, the study will develop cost-effective diagnostic tools to classify and predict the risk of oral cancers, in an effort to inform treatment planning and improve therapeutic strategies tailored to the local population.

This collaboration highlights the importance of building local capacity and expertise in oncology to establish sustainable models that can be adapted in similar contexts across under-resourced countries. This project will contribute valuable data for international cancer research efforts to advance cancer treatment in under-served regions globally.

Principal Investigators:
Mobeen Rahman, MD, Associate Professor of Head and Neck Pathology, Stanford University School of Medicine; Ida Chrishanthi Rajasooriyar, MBBS, MD, FRANZCR, Consultant Clinical Oncologist, Teaching Hospital Jaffna and Tellipalai Trail Cancer Hospital; Nithya Ranasinghe, MBBS, MD, Medical Officer in Oncology, Tellipalai Trail Cancer Hospital; Sheren Younes, MD, PhD, Resident Physician, Department of Pathology, Stanford University School of Medicine; Yasodha Natkunam, MD, PhD, Professor of Pathology, Stanford University School of Medicine

Funders:
Stanford Center for Innovation in Global Health & Stanford Department of Pathology