A test to predict outcomes for HPV-positive oropharynx (throat) cancer using tumor molecular and imaging features
Validation of a clinically accessible prognostic biomarker for oropharynx cancer using molecular and spatial data
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.
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-11301847 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
You would be contributing to a validation of a new prognostic score called HPVhet using tumor molecular data and spatial features visible on standard H&E pathology slides. The team will combine data from over 1,000 HPV-positive oropharynx cancer patients from the U.S., Europe, and South America to test reliability across diverse populations. They will define risk groups, check how well the score predicts recurrence and survival, and develop a way to read the score from routine pathology images so it can be used in clinics. The work uses molecular assays, spatial analysis of tumor tissue, and image-based detection methods to translate the score into a clinically accessible tool.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates are people with HPV-positive oropharyngeal (throat) cancer who have available tumor tissue/pathology slides and clinical follow-up data.
Not a fit: People with HPV-negative oropharyngeal cancer or those without available tumor tissue/slides are unlikely to receive direct benefit from this work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the HPVhet score could help doctors tailor treatment intensity so some patients receive less toxic therapy without compromising cancer control.
How similar studies have performed: Early pilot studies and other molecular or image-based biomarkers have shown promise, but this HPVhet score requires larger multi-center validation before clinical use.
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.