Dr. Flora Momen-Heravi, the Division Chief of Periodontology in the Department of Orofacial SciencesDr. Flora Momen-Heravi, the Division Chief of Periodontology in the Department of Orofacial Sciences, is a clinician-scientist whose research focuses on cancer biology, immunology, and autoinflammatory conditions. She and her team are making remarkable progress in their quest to provide better outcomes for head and neck cancer patients as they find new ways to improve early detection and develop more effective therapeutics.
In her clinical work as a periodontist, Dr. Momen-Heravi has observed similarities between periodontal disease and cancer.
“They share many features, such as chronic inflammation, immune dysregulation, and tissue destruction. My interest in immunology and precision medicine, combined with a desire to improve patient outcomes, inspired me to study head and neck cancer.”
Oral cancer is a devastating disease that has a higher rate of survival if found in its early stages. Dr. Momen-Heravi is a strong advocate for removing obstacles to cancer screening. She believes that early detection is the most valuable tool clinicians have to spare patients from the awful reduction in quality of life that most will suffer when diagnosed with later stage head and neck cancer. Even if efforts to remove the cancer are successful, the treatments can leave people with an altered appearance, diminished capacity to participate in favorite activities, and even the ability to enjoy food. Given the high stakes, Dr. Momen-Heravi believes that it is important to pursue ways to increase access to oral cancer screening for everyone.
“Collaborating with community health organizations to provide accessible screening programs and advocating for better healthcare access can also help bridge the gap in early detection. Clinicians can play a significant role in reducing disparities by promoting regular oral cancer screenings, especially in underserved populations. Raising awareness among patients about the risk factors, such as tobacco and alcohol use, HPV, and poor oral hygiene, is critical.”
Dr. Momen-Heravi and her research team at the Momen-Heravi Lab.In addition to her clinical work, Dr. Momen-Heravi is an accomplished researcher. The strict precision of research requires long hours and dedication, but the rewards can be just as great as the investment of time and energy.
“Research is full of surprises, and that’s what makes it so thrilling,” Dr. Momen-Heravi said. “I always tell my trainees to let the data guide them because unexpected findings often lead to the most profound insights.”
For example, she said, the connection between periodontal disease and systemic diseases “has revealed complex interactions that we’re only beginning to understand. What’s even more surprising is how we can now identify susceptibility in patients who don’t yet have periodontal or systemic diseases, but where preceding molecular markers in the gingival tissue, saliva, and blood indicate potential conditions. This allows us to detect underlying risk factors long before clinical signs appear.”
For Dr. Momen-Heravi, there is a natural link between her study of periodontal disease and cancer. "In both, I investigate how immune cells and molecular signals influence disease progression. In my cancer research, I focus on the immune and tumor microenvironment in oral cancer, aiming to develop better biomarkers and therapeutic strategies, while in periodontal disease, I explore similar mechanisms to understand its connection to systemic conditions."
This is a particularly exciting time to be a researcher. The current rate of technological advancement will likely increase in the coming years to reveal new pathways to improving patient care. Dr. Momen-Heravi imagines a convergence of technology and knowledge that will lead to earlier and more effective interventions.
“I believe we will see major advances not only in the integration of immunotherapy and gene-editing technologies like CRISPR, but also in our understanding of the broader factors influencing cancer, such as a patient’s environment, lifestyle, and social determinants of health. With the power of data science, we can model and analyze the vast amounts of genetic, clinical, and environmental data, helping us understand the intricate relationships between these factors and how they contribute to cancer risk, progression, and treatment outcomes."
Gathering data from more diverse study populations is important to reduce disparity in diagnosis. Most of the earlier studies of head and neck cancer gathered data from primarily White populations. Expanding the study population to include different patients can lead to more personalized prevention and treatment approaches, which ultimately has implications for all populations.
"Combining these insights with precision medicine will allow us to tailor treatments not only to the unique genetic makeup of each tumor but also to the patient’s overall profile. With this comprehensive approach, driven by data and personalized strategies, we will be better positioned to both treat and prevent cancer, creating more effective and holistic solutions for patient care.”
Dr. Momen-Heravi came to UCSF in 2024 to join the world-class clinical and research faculty. She said she was excited to work with other passionate researchers and believes that new opportunities will come through being inspired by other scientists.
“UCSF offers unparalleled collaboration opportunities with its leading dental, medical, and biological sciences departments. The strong focus on interdisciplinary research, education, and innovation in precision medicine aligns perfectly with my research interests,” she said. “Additionally, UCSF’s commitment to addressing healthcare disparities and serving underserved populations is something I am deeply passionate about. The institution’s close connection with biotech and startup communities also offers exciting opportunities to translate research into real-world clinical solutions."
