Better treatments for HPV-related throat cancer in people 65 and older
Official title: Optimizing Treatment for Human Papillomavirus-Associated Oropharyngeal Cancer in Older Adults
Funded at Medical University of South Carolina · NIH-11247547 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This project uses computer simulations and real-world patient data to find treatment plans that lower long-term side effects while keeping cancer control for people 65 and older with HPV-related throat cancer.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Medical University of South Carolina NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Charleston, United States) |
| Project start | December 12, 2024 |
| Project end | November 30, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $627,571 |
| NIH project number | 5R01CA290017-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11247547 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
People aged 65 or older diagnosed with HPV-positive oropharyngeal (throat) cancer, particularly those with other medical conditions, are the primary population this work focuses on.
✕Less likely to help
Younger patients under 65, people with non-HPV throat cancers, or those already committed to a specific treatment plan may not directly benefit from these results.
What this research studies
From a patient's view, researchers will combine clinical trial results, hospital records, and information about other health problems common in older adults to build computer models of outcomes. They will compare standard high-intensity treatments to lower-intensity options and estimate effects on survival, treatment side effects, and long-term quality of life. The team will also gather information about what older patients prefer when weighing longer survival against treatment harms. The findings aim to guide treatment choices that match an older person's health status and preferences.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Could lead to treatment recommendations that reduce chronic toxicity and improve quality of life for older adults with HPV-positive oropharyngeal cancer while maintaining cancer control.
How similar studies have gone: Previous trials have shown promise for lower-intensity treatments in younger patients with HPV-related throat cancer, but this approach has not been specifically tested in older adults with multiple health issues.
Where this research is happening
-
Medical University of South Carolina
Charleston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Deshmukh, Ashish a. — Medical University of South Carolina
- Study coordinator: Deshmukh, Ashish a.
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OPC Survivor: Optimizing Long-Term Health After Oropharyngeal Cancer
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Optimizing HPV-positive oropharyngeal cancer treatment by selecting patients and reducing therapy intensity
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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.
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Biomarker-based screening to find HPV-related oropharyngeal cancer early
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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.