AI-powered predictor for chemoradiation response in Veterans with oropharyngeal cancer

Who could benefit from this research

What this research studies

This project will develop a machine learning model using imaging, pathology, and clinical data from Veterans with OPC to predict treatment response. The team will build and validate a robust risk-stratification algorithm that could guide how aggressively to treat individual patients. The model aims to be quickly deployed across VA facilities to personalize therapy and potentially reduce unnecessary toxicity while maintaining effectiveness.

Why it matters

Where this research is happening

• Michael E Debakey VA Medical Center
  Houston, United States Active

Researchers

• Principal investigator: Sandulache, Vlad C — Michael E Debakey VA Medical Center
• Study coordinator: Sandulache, Vlad C

Related research

Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.

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• Optimizing HPV-positive oropharyngeal cancer treatment by selecting patients and reducing therapy intensity

  This grant explores whether we can choose the right patients with HPV-positive throat cancer for less intensive, less toxic treatment while maintaining excellent outcomes.

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• Biological factors behind different outcomes in HPV+ oropharyngeal cancer

  This project looks at why some people with HPV-positive throat cancer have better or worse survival, by studying tumor biology in a large Cleveland patient group.

  NIH research Case Western Reserve University · Cleveland, United States · NIH-11399180

• Understanding how oral high-risk HPV progresses in people with HIV to prevent oropharyngeal cancer

  This study follows HIV patients at high risk for HPV-related throat cancer to understand how oral HPV infections start and change over time, with the goal of catching precancer early.

  NIH research University of Maryland Baltimore · Baltimore, United States · NIH-11380555

• Biomarker-based screening to find HPV-related oropharyngeal cancer early

  A non-invasive oral gargle test is being developed to detect HPV-related oropharyngeal cancer at early stages, helping people at risk catch cancer sooner.

  NIH research H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Ctr & Res Inst · Tampa, United States · NIH-11365061

• Understanding HIV and HPV-linked throat cancer with single-cell analysis and new mouse models

  This grant explores how HIV and HPV together affect immune cells in HPV-positive oropharyngeal cancer, using single-cell sequencing and innovative mouse models to guide better prevention and treatment.

  NIH research Albert Einstein College of Medicine · Bronx, United States · NIH-11350952

About this research

1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.