Oral Potentially Malignant Lesion
Prospective Biobank (OPMLPB)

Established in 2021 and housed within Dalhousie University's Faculty of Dentistry, the OPMLP biobank prospectively and longitudinally collects samples of pre-cancerous (potentially malignant) oral lesions (OPML) and saliva for future studies. Well-annotated biobanks, particularly one with outcome data, are scarce and invaluable. Samples such as these are rare and are capable of answering complex, longitudinal questions that explore potential biomarkers of risk as well as potential underlying biological mechanisms.

 

In the long-term, our aim is to use these samples in future applications to identify predictive biomarkers of malignant transformation of OPML. The biobank draws from a diverse array of affiliate clinicians and researchers in Canada and is designed to serve future research related to advancements in prevention and treatment of pre-cancerous and cancerous oral lesions.

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The OPMLPB is a registered and certified biobank with the Canadian Tissue Repository Network (CTRNet) and overseen by the OPMLPB Governance Council.