Identifying biomarkers in blood and saliva for HPV-related throat cancer
Official title: Plasma and saliva biomarkers of disease status in HPV related oropharynx cancer
Funded at University of California, San Diego · NIH-10690548 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking for a way to use a simple test on blood and saliva to find out if people with HPV-related throat cancer have the disease or if it has come back, so they can get the help they need sooner.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California, San Diego NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (La Jolla, United States) |
| Project start | August 8, 2019 |
| Project end | July 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2023 |
| Award (this year) | $260,710 |
| NIH project number | 5R01CA243393-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-10690548 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with HPV-related oropharynx cancer who are at risk of recurrence.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with HPV-negative oropharynx cancer or those without a history of HPV-related cancers may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on patients with HPV-related oropharynx cancer, which is becoming more common in the U.S. The study aims to develop a test that detects HPV16 DNA in plasma and saliva, which could indicate the presence of disease or recurrence. By validating this test, the researchers hope to provide earlier detection of cancer recurrence, allowing for timely intervention and improved patient outcomes. The approach involves a prospective trial to assess the effectiveness of this biomarker in predicting disease status.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to earlier detection and better management of HPV-related throat cancer, ultimately improving survival rates.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown promise in using HPV DNA as a biomarker for disease detection, indicating that this approach may be effective.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California, San Diego
La Jolla, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Califano, Joseph a — University of California, San Diego
- Study coordinator: Califano, Joseph a
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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.