Detecting HPV-related throat cancer earlier in people with and without HIV
Official title: Earlier detection of HPV-related oropharynx cancer in people living with and without HIV
Funded at Johns Hopkins University · NIH-11058695 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking to find better ways to detect HPV-related throat cancer early, especially for people living with HIV, by checking for certain markers in their saliva and blood, which could help improve screening methods in the future.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Johns Hopkins University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Baltimore, United States) |
| Project start | September 15, 2024 |
| Project end | September 14, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $515,812 |
| NIH project number | 1R56DE033873-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11058695 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals living with HIV and those without HIV who are at risk for HPV-related oropharynx cancer.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have HPV-related oropharynx cancer or are not at risk for HPV-related cancers may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on improving the early detection of HPV-related oropharynx cancer (HPV-OPC), particularly in individuals living with HIV, who are at a higher risk. The study will utilize a large cohort of participants to screen for specific oral and blood biomarkers associated with HPV-OPC. By comparing the progression of the disease in those with and without HIV, the research aims to enhance understanding of how HIV affects HPV persistence and cancer development. The findings could lead to better screening methods and inform future studies on the benefits and risks of such screenings.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to earlier detection of HPV-related throat cancer, improving treatment outcomes for patients.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using biomarkers for early detection of HPV-related cancers, indicating that this approach could be effective.
Where this research is happening
-
Johns Hopkins University
Baltimore, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Fakhry, Carole — Johns Hopkins University
- Study coordinator: Fakhry, Carole
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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An image-based test to predict risk in HPV-positive throat cancer
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.
-
A new tumor marker (HPVhet) to predict outcomes in HPV-related throat cancer
This project looks at whether a tumor marker called HPVhet can better predict which people with HPV-positive throat cancer will do well and which might need stronger treatment.
-
Neoadjuvant immunoradiotherapy for HPV-related throat cancer
A new approach combines targeted radiation before surgery with PD-1 blockade to treat HPV-related oropharyngeal cancer, aiming to improve outcomes and reduce long-term side effects.
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A test to predict outcomes for HPV-positive oropharynx (throat) cancer using tumor molecular and imaging features
This project will see if an 'HPVhet' score derived from tumor biology and routine pathology images can help predict outcomes for people with HPV-positive oropharynx cancer.
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Improving treatment for HPV-related throat cancer before surgery
This research explores a new way to combine radiation and immunotherapy before surgery for people with HPV-related throat cancer.
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Finding a new way to predict outcomes for patients with oropharynx cancer
This study is looking to find a new way to help doctors predict how oropharynx cancer might affect patients, especially those with HPV-positive tumors, so they can tailor treatments better and avoid giving unnecessary side effects to those who might not need them.
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.