The University of Hong Kong’s Faculty of Dentistry, in collaboration with the Prince Philip Dental Hospital, has launched the world’s first clinic powered by OralCancerPredict, an AI-based tool they developed to improve early detection and prevention of oral cancer.
Oral cancer, which typically develops in the mouth’s lining and lips, often begins with precancerous lesions such as white or red patches, known as oral potentially malignant disorders (OPMD). Common forms of OPMD include oral leukoplakia (OL) and oral lichenoid diseases (OLD). Early detection is crucial as these conditions greatly increase the risk of cancer.
OralCancerPredict, created by HKU Dentistry in 2021, is a decision-support system designed to assist in diagnosing and preventing oral cancer. This AI tool evaluates various factors, including a patient’s medical history, demographics, clinical symptoms, and histological data, to predict the risk of cancer development in OL and OLD patients.
The tool’s risk stratification system divides patients into high-risk and low-risk categories. High-risk patients are advised to undergo surgery, while low-risk patients are recommended for supportive care and monitoring.
Clinical trials have validated the tool’s effectiveness, confirming a 94 percent diagnostic accuracy. This performance exceeds that of traditional methods for assessing OL and OLD risks.
Patients diagnosed with OL or OLD at the AI-powered clinic will receive comprehensive treatment and regular follow-up care at no extra cost for the AI support tool. The service is available to patients referred by general dentists or physicians.
This initiative marks a significant advancement in oral cancer care, combining cutting-edge AI technology with clinical expertise to enhance patient outcomes.