Finding HPV-related Throat Cancer Early with a Biomarker Test
Official title: Biomarker Approach to Screening for the early detection of HPV-related Oropharyngeal Cancer (BASH OPC)
Funded at H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Ctr & Res Inst · NIH-11115801 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This project aims to develop a simple gargle test to find HPV-related throat cancer at its earliest stages.
Quick facts
| Grant type | U01 cooperative agreement |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Ctr & Res Inst NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Tampa, United States) |
| Project start | September 4, 2023 |
| Project end | June 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $715,985 |
| NIH project number | 5U01DE033329-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11115801 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
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.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with advanced oropharyngeal cancer or those without HPV-related disease may not directly benefit from this specific early detection method.
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.
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 gone: 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
-
H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Ctr & Res Inst
Tampa, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Giuliano, Anna R. — H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Ctr & Res Inst
- Study coordinator: Giuliano, Anna R.
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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.