Finding HPV-related Throat Cancer Early with a Biomarker Test

Biomarker Approach to Screening for the early detection of HPV-related Oropharyngeal Cancer (BASH OPC)

NIH-funded research H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Ctr & Res Inst · NIH-11115801

This project aims to develop a simple gargle test to find HPV-related throat cancer at its earliest stages.

Quick facts

Grant typeU01 cooperative agreement
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionH. Lee Moffitt Cancer Ctr & Res Inst NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Tampa, United States)
Project IDNIH-11115801 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

HPV-related throat cancer is becoming more common and is often found late, leading to difficult treatments and lasting health problems. Our team has been working on a special gargle test that looks for specific markers in your mouth to spot this cancer early. We've already seen promising results in telling the difference between early cancer cases and healthy individuals. Now, we are moving forward to confirm and refine this non-invasive test using existing samples from cancer patients. Our goal is to make early detection widely available, which could significantly improve treatment outcomes.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: This research focuses on individuals at risk for or diagnosed with early-stage HPV-related oropharyngeal cancer, particularly those whose samples are part of existing biorepositories.

Not a fit: Patients with advanced oropharyngeal cancer or those without HPV-related disease may not directly benefit from this specific early detection method.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to a simple, non-invasive gargle test that helps find HPV-related throat cancer much earlier, potentially improving treatment success and reducing severe side effects.

How similar studies have performed: The research team has already completed initial studies showing promising results with this biomarker panel, and they are now advancing to further validation.

Where this research is happening

Tampa, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Conditions Breast Cancer DetectionBreast cancer screening
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.