An image-based test to predict risk in HPV-positive throat cancer
Validation of a clinically accessible prognostic biomarker for oropharynx cancer using molecular and spatial data
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.
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-11469884 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
If you have HPV-positive oropharynx cancer, this work uses tumor molecular and spatial features from over 1,000 patients to create a prognostic “HPVhet” score. Researchers will combine molecular data with patterns seen on standard H&E pathology slides and apply computational methods to define reliable risk groups across diverse populations. The team will validate the score using patient outcomes from cohorts in the U.S., Europe, and South America. They will also translate the score into an imaging biomarker that can be detected on routine pathology slides to support clinical decision-making.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People diagnosed with HPV-positive oropharynx (throat) cancer, particularly those facing decisions about treatment de-intensification, would be the ideal candidates.
Not a fit: People with HPV-negative oropharynx cancers or those without available tumor tissue or clinical follow-up data would not be eligible or likely to benefit from this specific biomarker.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the test could help doctors identify who can safely receive less intensive treatment and who needs standard or stronger therapy, reducing unnecessary side effects for many patients.
How similar studies have performed: HPV status is already known to relate to outcomes and some molecular or image-based markers have shown promise, but a broadly validated H&E-detectable prognostic score for HPV+ oropharynx cancer is a novel advance.
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.