Analyzing tumor DNA in surgical drain fluid for oropharyngeal cancer
Official title: A Novel Postoperative Prognostic Liquid Biopsy: Tumor-Associated cfDNA and Leukocyte Analysis in Oropharyngeal Cancer Surgical Drain Fluid
Funded at Washington University · NIH-11086661 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at a new way to check for cancer-related DNA in the fluid that drains from the surgical site of patients with throat cancer, aiming to help doctors better understand who might face complications after surgery and tailor treatments to each person's needs.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Washington University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Saint Louis, United States) |
| Project start | May 1, 2023 |
| Project end | April 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $53,974 |
| NIH project number | 5F30CA281071-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11086661 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients diagnosed with oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma, particularly those with high-risk HPV strains.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with oropharyngeal cancer who do not have HPV involvement or those with advanced disease may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates a new method for assessing the presence of tumor-associated DNA in the surgical drain fluid of patients with oropharyngeal cancer. By analyzing cell-free DNA (cfDNA) and HPV DNA, the study aims to provide a more accurate prognostic tool to identify patients at risk for complications after surgery. The approach utilizes liquid biopsies, which are less invasive than traditional methods, to help guide treatment decisions and potentially reduce unnecessary toxic therapies. This could lead to more personalized care for patients based on their specific risk profiles.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatment strategies that minimize side effects for patients with oropharyngeal cancer.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promise in using liquid biopsies for cancer monitoring, indicating that this approach could be effective.
Where this research is happening
-
Washington University
Saint Louis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Earland, Noah Jackson — Washington University
- Study coordinator: Earland, Noah Jackson
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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.