Liverpool welcomed over a thousand international delegates this month as it hosted the 10th World Congress of the International Academy of Oral Oncology (IAOO)-bringing together leaders in the fight against oral cancer.
Held from 16-19 July at ACC Liverpool, the congress was organised by University of Liverpool researchers Professor Richard Shaw, Professor Andrew Schache and other members of Liverpool Head & Neck Centre, with support from a wide network of sponsors, funders, and partners. Key among them was Liverpool City Council, who have since committed to a lasting legacy project aimed at tackling the issue of oral cancer across the Liverpool City Region.
A growing health challenge
Oral cancer is a type of cancer affecting the tissues of the mouth or throat, and is part of a group of cancers known as head and neck cancers. Liverpool is one of the areas that has the highest rates of incidence and mortality of oral cancer in the country.
Director of Public Health for Liverpool, Professor Matt Ashton, said: "There is amazing work taking place in Liverpool to reduce smoking and heavy drinking and encourage people to live healthier lives. However, diagnostic rates for oral cancer have been rising here, in line with national trends.
"The International Association of Oral Oncology conference has shone a spotlight on the issue, and helped to remind people of the support that is on offer to help them quit smoking and reduce alcohol consumption."
A milestone event
The IAOO is a global, multi-disciplinary community dedicated to advancing knowledge and improving outcomes for patients with oral and perioral cancers. Its World Congress is held every two years, offering a rare opportunity for specialists-including head and neck surgeons, oncologists, dentists, allied health professionals and scientists-to exchange the latest research, innovations, and clinical strategies.
This year's Liverpool-hosted edition marked a significant milestone for the IAOO. The congress attracted delegates from 55 countries, one of the largest gatherings in the academy's history. The packed programme included 327 presentations, 41 expert symposia, and the discussion of 435 peer-reviewed abstracts spanning prevention, treatment, and patient care.
Liverpool research in the spotlight
Researchers from the University of Liverpool's Institute of Systems, Molecular and Integrative Biology played a central role in the congress. Among the prominent speakers were Professor Chris Butterworth, leading maxillofacial surgeon, and Professor Christian Ottensmeier, whose work in immunotherapy and personalised cancer care is gaining international attention. Both shared recent advances being made at the University of Liverpool, underscoring its reputation as a hub for oral oncology research and clinical innovation.
Also, Dr Caroline McCarthy (ILCAMS) and Professor Jo Patterson (IPH) , also both academics within LHNC, led on the pre-cancer and survivorship themes and precongresses.
Congress co-chair Professor Shaw said: "This conference was not only a chance for delegates to visit and enjoy our beautiful city, but also a great opportunity to showcase the innovative work going on to treat oral cancer in the region, for example at the Liverpool Head and Neck Centre. Oral cancer is a devastating disease, often fatal, and sometimes resulting in debilitating challenges such as problems with eating or speech."
A recent example of world leading research from the Liverpool Head and Neck Centre (LHNC) team is working with University of Liverpool physicists to develop a new device to transform the diagnosis, treatment and prognosis of oral cancer.
The Liverpool Diagnostic Infrared Wand (LDIR Wand)
