A new tumor marker (HPVhet) to predict outcomes in HPV-related throat cancer
Validation of a clinically accessible prognostic biomarker for oropharynx cancer using molecular and spatial data
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 ID | NIH-11469883 on NIH RePORTER |
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.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: 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.
Not a fit: 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.
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 performed: 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
Saint Louis, United States
- Washington University — Saint Louis, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Puram, Sidharth Venkata — Washington University
- Study coordinator: Puram, Sidharth Venkata
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 below.