Nelson Rhodus, D.M.D., M.P.H.

Appointment

Professor, Department of Diagnostic and Biological Sciences, School of Dentistry

Expert Areas

Cancer detection, Dentistry, Sjogren’s syndrome, Systemic disease

Research Focus

In the future, detecting oral cancer may be as easy as spitting into a test tube. That is a research goal of Nelson Rhodus, who investigates how DNA in cells in saliva may predict if a person is at risk for developing oral cancer. This method of screening may one day eliminate invasive biopsies – and also has the potential to screen for other types of cancers, including breast cancer. Rhodus also studies the oral-health effects of diseases that affect multiple organs of the body.

Sources of Funding

National Institutes of Health (National Institute of Dental and Cranial Research, National Cancer Institute)