A test to predict outcomes for HPV-positive oropharynx (throat) cancer using tumor molecular and imaging features
Official title: Validation of a clinically accessible prognostic biomarker for oropharynx cancer using molecular and spatial data
Funded at Washington University · NIH-11301847 · Data updated 2026-11-12
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 start | March 12, 2025 |
| Project end | December 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $447,817 |
| NIH project number | 5U01DE034565-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11301847 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates are people with HPV-positive oropharyngeal (throat) cancer who have available tumor tissue/pathology slides and clinical follow-up data.
✕Less likely to help
People with HPV-negative oropharyngeal cancer or those without available tumor tissue/slides are unlikely to receive direct benefit from this work.
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.
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 gone: 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
-
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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A new tumor marker (HPVhet) to predict outcomes in HPV-related throat cancer
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.
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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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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.