Prof. WEI CAO | Clinical Biotechnology | Young Researcher Award
Professor | Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine Affiliated Ninth People’s Hospital | China
Wei Cao, MD, PhD, is a distinguished Professor at the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial–Head and Neck Oncology, Shanghai Ninth People’s Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine. Renowned for his expertise in head and neck cancers, especially oral squamous cell carcinoma, he has contributed significantly to understanding tumor biology, recurrence mechanisms, and therapeutic resistance. With an H-index of and citations, he has authored impactful research shaping the field of oral oncology. His editorial appointments in high-impact journals and active membership in global medical associations further reflect his academic stature and leadership in oncology research.
Profile
Scopus | Orcid
Education
Wei Cao earned his Diploma in Oral Medicine from Zhengzhou University School of Medicine. He then pursued his MD and PhD at Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, completing his doctoral training in Head and Neck Surgical Oncology in. To enhance his research scope and gain international exposure, he undertook postgraduate training in the Department of Oncology and Diagnostic Sciences at the University of Maryland Dental School in the USA. His educational journey has provided him with a strong foundation in both clinical practice and biomedical research.
Experience
Over his career, Wei Cao has progressed through academic and clinical ranks, starting as a Fellow in the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial–Head and Neck Oncology and later serving as a Surgeon in the same department. He was appointed Associate Professor in and Consultant before becoming Professor. Alongside his hospital responsibilities, he plays key editorial roles in journals such as Frontiers in Oncology and Technology in Cancer Research & Treatment, and serves on multiple editorial boards including BMC Cancer and Cancer Biology & Medicine. His professional affiliations include the American Association for Cancer Research and the Royal Society of Medicine.
Research Interest
Cao’s research focuses on the molecular mechanisms underlying the initiation, progression, and recurrence of oral and head and neck cancers. He investigates tumor microenvironment interactions, immunotherapy responses, and the role of non-coding RNAs in cancer biology. His work also explores novel biomarkers for prognosis, mechanisms of therapy resistance, and the development of personalized treatment strategies. Integrating single-cell transcriptomics, molecular pathology, and clinical data, his research aims to improve survival outcomes and quality of life for cancer patients.
Award
Wei Cao’s research excellence has been recognized with numerous honors, including the CYTO Student Travel Award, Excellent Doctoral Dissertation in Shanghai, and multiple national and institutional science and technology awards such as the 2nd Prize from the Chinese Medical Association and the National Ministry of Education.he was named among the “Outstanding Young Oncologists” by the Chinese Society of Clinical Oncology and received the Outstanding Young Scholar and Kowloon Outstanding Young Talent Awards from Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine.
Publication Top Notes
Cao has an extensive publication record in high-impact journals. Seven representative works include:
Title: Single-cell transcriptomics reveals cell atlas and identifies cycling tumor cells responsible for recurrence in ameloblastoma,” Int J Oral Sci.
Year: 2024
Citations: 2
Title: LINC02454-CCT complex interaction is essential for telomerase activity and cell proliferation in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma, Cancer Lett.
Year: 2024
Citations: 3
Title: CXC ligand 13 orchestrates an immunoactive microenvironment and enhances immunotherapy response in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma,” Int J Immunopathol Pharmacol.
Year: 2024
Citations: 1
Title: Yin Yang 1-Induced Long Noncoding RNA DUXAP9 Drives the Progression of Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma by Blocking CDK1-Mediated EZH2 Degradation, Adv Sci (Weinh).
Year: 2023
Citations: 6
Title: EVI2B Is a Prognostic Biomarker and Is Correlated with Monocyte and Macrophage Infiltration in Osteosarcoma,” Biomolecules.
Year: 2023
Citations: 5
Title: Cancer cells co-opt nociceptive nerves to thrive in nutrient-poor environments, Cell Metab.
Year: 2022
Citations: 44
Title: Targeting cellular metabolism in head and neck cancer precision medicine era: A promising strategy to overcome therapy resistance, Oral Dis.
Year: 2023
Citations: 8
Conclusion
Professor Wei Cao has established himself as a leader in oral and head and neck oncology through a career that bridges clinical excellence and groundbreaking research. His contributions to elucidating molecular mechanisms, identifying prognostic biomarkers, and advancing therapeutic strategies have significantly impacted patient care and cancer biology. With a robust portfolio of high-impact publications, prestigious awards, and leadership roles in international journals, he continues to shape the future of cancer research. His work reflects a commitment to innovation, interdisciplinary collaboration, and improving clinical outcomes for patients facing complex oncological challenges.