Improving radiation treatment for head and neck cancer by targeting specific signaling pathways
Official title: Targeting non-canonical p16 signaling to improve radiation response and outcome in head and neck cancer
Funded at University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh · NIH-11086760 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a protein called p16 affects how well head and neck cancer responds to radiation therapy, especially comparing cancers caused by HPV to those that aren't, with the goal of finding better treatment options for patients.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Pittsburgh, United States) |
| Project start | June 15, 2023 |
| Project end | May 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $583,698 |
| NIH project number | 5R01DE032337-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11086760 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients diagnosed with head and neck cancer, particularly those with HPV-positive or HPV-negative tumors expressing p16.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with head and neck cancer who do not express p16 or have other unrelated conditions may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how the protein p16 affects the response of head and neck cancer (HNC) to radiation therapy. It aims to understand the differences in radiation sensitivity between HPV-positive and HPV-negative tumors, particularly focusing on how p16 may influence DNA damage repair mechanisms. By exploring these pathways, the research seeks to develop more precise radiation treatment strategies tailored to the biology of individual tumors, potentially leading to better outcomes for patients. The approach includes analyzing the role of p16 in promoting a state of BRCAness, which may enhance the effectiveness of radiation therapy.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved radiation treatment strategies that enhance survival rates and reduce toxicity for patients with head and neck cancer.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in targeting specific signaling pathways in cancer treatment, suggesting that this approach may lead to significant advancements in head and neck cancer therapy.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Skinner, Heath Devin — University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
- Study coordinator: Skinner, Heath Devin
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Biomarker to guide treatment in head and neck cancer
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Intensive dental care during cancer follow-up to protect teeth after head and neck radiation
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AI-powered radiotherapy planning for cervical and head-and-neck cancer
A United Kingdom study is testing AI software that helps plan radiotherapy for cervical and head-and-neck cancer patients to save time and reduce the workload for clinicians in low-resource settings.
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AI-powered radiotherapy planning for cervical and head-and-neck cancer
A UK research team is testing an AI-based software to automatically outline cancer areas and plan radiation beams to speed up treatment for cervical and head-and-neck cancers in LMICs.
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.