Finding a new way to predict outcomes for patients with oropharynx cancer
Official title: Validation of a clinically accessible prognostic biomarker for oropharynx cancer using molecular and spatial data
Funded at Washington University · NIH-11040101 · Data updated 2026-11-12
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.
Quick facts
| Grant type | U01 cooperative agreement |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Washington University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Saint Louis, United States) |
| Project start | March 12, 2025 |
| Project end | December 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $638,903 |
| NIH project number | 1U01DE034565-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11040101 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients diagnosed with HPV-positive oropharynx cancer who are undergoing treatment.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with HPV-negative oropharynx cancer or those with other types of cancer may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research aims to validate a new prognostic biomarker for oropharynx cancer (OPC) that can help identify patients at risk for adverse outcomes, such as recurrence or death. By analyzing tumor biology and heterogeneity in over 1,000 HPV-positive OPC patients from various regions, the study seeks to improve clinical decision-making and reduce unnecessary treatment-related side effects. The approach involves using molecular and spatial data to create a reliable scoring system that can be applied across diverse patient populations. This biomarker could ultimately guide treatment strategies, allowing for more personalized care.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more accurate predictions of treatment outcomes for patients with oropharynx cancer, enabling tailored therapies that minimize toxicity.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using biomarkers for cancer prognosis, suggesting that this approach could yield significant advancements in treatment strategies.
Where this research is happening
-
Washington University
Saint Louis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Puram, Sidharth Venkata — Washington University
- Study coordinator: Puram, Sidharth Venkata
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.
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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.
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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.
-
Detecting HPV-related throat cancer earlier in people with and without HIV
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.
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.