Data-driven classification of aggressive tissue traits to predict cancer outcomes in HPV-negative head and neck cancer
Official title: Data science approaches to classify aggressive tissue phenotypes and predict disease-free survival in HPV-negative head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC)
Funded at University of Pennsylvania · NIH-11505841 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A clinician-science grant uses data science and AI to identify tissue patterns in HPV-negative head and neck cancer that may predict how long patients stay cancer-free.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Career grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pennsylvania NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Philadelphia, United States) |
| Project start | March 1, 2026 |
| Project end | March 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $168,610 |
| NIH project number | 7K08DE034852-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11505841 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Patients with HPV-negative head and neck squamous cell carcinoma treated in oncology centers, whose tumors have available tissue samples and sequencing data.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without HPV-negative HNSCC or without access to tissue samples or sequencing data may not benefit.
What this research studies
This project focuses on using advanced data analysis to find tissue features linked to worse outcomes in HPV-negative head and neck cancer. Researchers will analyze sequencing data and histopathology to connect molecular patterns with aggressive tissue phenotypes. The aim is to create better predictions of disease-free survival beyond traditional staging, guiding treatment choices. The work involves a physician-scientist leading a team to develop and validate prognostic models that could inform clinical decisions.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, patients could receive more personalized risk assessments and treatment plans based on their tumor's tissue characteristics.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown that tissue histology and gene expression patterns can relate to outcomes, but this project seeks a more precise, data-driven approach.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Pennsylvania
Philadelphia, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Liu-Swetz, Yingci — University of Pennsylvania
- Study coordinator: Liu-Swetz, Yingci
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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.