A new tumor marker (HPVhet) to predict outcomes in HPV-related throat cancer
Official title: Validation of a clinically accessible prognostic biomarker for oropharynx cancer using molecular and spatial data
Funded at Washington University · NIH-11469883 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This project looks at whether a tumor marker called HPVhet can better predict which people with HPV-positive throat cancer will do well and which might need stronger treatment.
Quick facts
| Grant type | U01 cooperative agreement |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Washington University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Saint Louis, United States) |
| Project start | March 12, 2025 |
| Project end | December 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $28,988 |
| NIH project number | 3U01DE034565-02S1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11469883 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
People with newly diagnosed HPV-positive oropharyngeal (throat) cancer—particularly those considering or enrolled in treatment de-escalation trials—are the ideal candidates for this work.
✕Less likely to help
People with HPV-negative throat cancer, other head and neck cancers, or those without available tumor tissue or who are not treated at participating centers are unlikely to be affected by this project.
What this research studies
Researchers will analyze tumor samples and standard pathology images from over 1,000 people with HPV-positive oropharyngeal (throat) cancer collected across the United States, Europe, and South America. They will calculate an HPVhet score that captures tumor biology and spatial patterns, and test that the score gives consistent results across diverse patient groups. The team will create risk groups linked to recurrence and survival, then translate the score so it can be detected from routine H&E pathology slides used in most hospitals. This work aims to make a usable biomarker that can guide safer treatment choices for patients.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could help personalize treatment so some patients avoid unnecessary toxic therapy while others get the care needed to reduce risk of recurrence or death.
How similar studies have gone: Other biomarkers and image-based scores have shown promise in predicting head and neck cancer outcomes, but the HPVhet score is a novel approach that needs large-scale international validation.
Where this research is happening
-
Washington University
Saint Louis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Puram, Sidharth Venkata — Washington University
- Study coordinator: Puram, Sidharth Venkata
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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An image-based test to predict risk in HPV-positive throat cancer
This project aims to develop a simple image- and molecular-based test to show which people with HPV-positive oropharynx (throat) cancer are more likely to have a recurrence so their treatment can be personalized.
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Neoadjuvant immunoradiotherapy for HPV-related throat cancer
A new approach combines targeted radiation before surgery with PD-1 blockade to treat HPV-related oropharyngeal cancer, aiming to improve outcomes and reduce long-term side effects.
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A test to predict outcomes for HPV-positive oropharynx (throat) cancer using tumor molecular and imaging features
This project will see if an 'HPVhet' score derived from tumor biology and routine pathology images can help predict outcomes for people with HPV-positive oropharynx cancer.
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Improving treatment for HPV-related throat cancer before surgery
This research explores a new way to combine radiation and immunotherapy before surgery for people with HPV-related throat cancer.
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Detecting HPV-related throat cancer earlier in people with and without HIV
This study is looking to find better ways to detect HPV-related throat cancer early, especially for people living with HIV, by checking for certain markers in their saliva and blood, which could help improve screening methods in the future.
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Finding a new way to predict outcomes for patients with oropharynx cancer
This study is looking to find a new way to help doctors predict how oropharynx cancer might affect patients, especially those with HPV-positive tumors, so they can tailor treatments better and avoid giving unnecessary side effects to those who might not need them.
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.