Improving outcomes for Black patients with HPV-negative head and neck cancer and increasing diversity in oncology workforce
Official title: Disparate Survival, Disparate Workforce: An Integrated Approach to Improving Head and Neck Cancer Outcomes and Diversity in the Oncology Workforce
Funded at Duke University · NIH-11065510 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at why Black patients with HPV-negative oropharyngeal cancer have lower survival rates than others, using new technology to explore differences in their genes and immune responses, and it also aims to improve diversity in cancer care by working with schools that serve minority communities.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Duke University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Durham, United States) |
| Project start | April 15, 2024 |
| Project end | January 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $586,190 |
| NIH project number | 5R01DE033740-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11065510 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include Black patients diagnosed with HPV-negative oropharyngeal cancer.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with HPV-positive oropharyngeal cancer or those from racial groups other than Black may not receive direct benefits from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the significant disparities in survival rates for Black patients with HPV-negative oropharyngeal cancer compared to other racial groups. It employs advanced techniques such as spatial transcriptomics and artificial intelligence to analyze gene expression differences and immune cell interactions between Black and White patients. The study aims to uncover biological mechanisms contributing to these disparities and to develop strategies to enhance diversity within the oncology workforce through partnerships with minority-serving institutions.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatment outcomes for Black patients with HPV-negative head and neck cancer and foster a more diverse oncology workforce.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has successfully utilized similar approaches to understand disparities in cancer outcomes, indicating a promising avenue for this investigation.
Where this research is happening
-
Duke University
Durham, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Watts, Tammara L. — Duke University
- Study coordinator: Watts, Tammara L.
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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.