Detecting and preventing jaw bone damage after oropharyngeal cancer radiation
Project 1: OPC-ORN
This project looks for early signs and ways to monitor and reduce radiation-caused jaw bone damage (osteoradionecrosis) in people treated for HPV-related oropharyngeal cancer.
Quick facts
| Grant type | P01 program project |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Tx Md Anderson Can Ctr NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Houston, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11180355 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This project focuses on people treated with radiation for HPV-related oropharyngeal cancer and aims to find and track early signs of osteoradionecrosis (ORN) of the jaw using advanced imaging and clinical follow-up. Researchers plan to use dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI (DCE-MRI) Ktrans as a candidate imaging biomarker and follow survivors over time to map how ORN develops and which signs appear first. The team will combine imaging with dental exams, symptom tracking, and biological markers to improve detection and inform possible prevention strategies. The goal is to validate Ktrans and related measures so clinicians can intervene earlier and reduce severe late complications.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates are people who received external beam radiotherapy for HPV-associated oropharyngeal cancer and are in survivorship follow-up.
Not a fit: People who never had head and neck radiation or those with already advanced ORN requiring surgical removal of dead bone are unlikely to benefit from the surveillance strategies tested.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could enable earlier detection and intervention for radiation-related jaw damage, reducing pain, dental procedures, and the need for major surgery.
How similar studies have performed: Small prior studies have suggested DCE-MRI Ktrans can indicate mandibular injury, but larger validation and routine clinical use remain limited.
Where this research is happening
Houston, United States
- University of Tx Md Anderson Can Ctr — Houston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Lai, Stephen Y — University of Tx Md Anderson Can Ctr
- Study coordinator: Lai, Stephen Y
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.