Improving treatment decisions for head and neck cancer patients using blood tests.
Official title: Validating a prognostic plasma metabolomic biomarker to improve precision medicine in head and neck cancer patients
Funded at Emory University · NIH-10876239 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking for new blood tests that can help doctors choose the best treatments for people with head and neck cancer, aiming to find ways to use gentler therapies that work well for each patient and cause fewer side effects.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R03 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Emory University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Atlanta, United States) |
| Project start | July 1, 2023 |
| Project end | June 30, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $78,250 |
| NIH project number | 5R03TR004312-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10876239 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients diagnosed with head and neck cancer who are considering treatment options.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with head and neck cancer who are not eligible for de-intensified therapy or those with advanced disease may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research aims to identify new blood-based biomarkers that can help tailor treatment for patients with head and neck cancer. By analyzing the metabolic profiles in blood plasma, the study seeks to find indicators that can predict how well patients will respond to less aggressive therapies, thereby reducing the side effects associated with standard treatments. The approach focuses on understanding the unique metabolic characteristics of each patient's cancer, which may lead to more personalized and effective treatment options.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more personalized treatment plans that minimize harmful side effects for head and neck cancer patients.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown promise in using metabolic biomarkers for cancer prognosis, indicating that this approach could be a valuable advancement in treatment personalization.
Where this research is happening
-
Emory University
Atlanta, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Eldridge, Ronald C — Emory University
- Study coordinator: Eldridge, Ronald C
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AI-powered radiotherapy planning for cervical and head-and-neck cancer
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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.