Precancer & Early Detection

By understanding the earliest molecular changes that precede cancer, LSP researchers aim to improve detection and interception of early-stage cancers. 

Over the last 45 years, the 5-year survival rate after a cancer diagnosis has increased tremendously, from 50% to 72% [i] across all cancer types. Although approaches for treating cancer have advanced significantly over this time, 80% of averted deaths are attributed to improved cancer prevention and screening [ii].

LSP researchers study precancers to improve patient outcomes and the ability for clinicians to detect, diagnose, and prevent cancer. Our approach combines cutting-edge tissue profiling methods with AI/ML-based predictive models to deeply characterize the molecular changes associated with cancer development in human tissue. These efforts make it possible to identify promising new biomarkers, which can be evaluated in clinical trials. We combine these biological insights with technologies like high-plex tissue imaging and computational pathology, aiming to develop and deploy clinic-ready diagnostic tests. 

Our precancer research focuses mainly on ovarian cancer and melanoma, two diseases where early diagnosis significantly improves patient outcomes. Much of our data is available on the Harvard Tissue Atlas (tissue-atlas.org) and Gray BRCA Precancer Atlas (graybrcaatlas.org), which aim to improve knowledge sharing and accelerate research.