Improving treatment for HPV-related throat cancer before surgery
Neoadjuvant immunoradiotherapy for HPV mediated oropharynx cancer
['FUNDING_R01'] · UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, SAN DIEGO · NIH-11146417
This research explores a new way to combine radiation and immunotherapy before surgery for people with HPV-related throat cancer.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, SAN DIEGO (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (LA JOLLA, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11146417 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
We know that HPV-related throat cancer is becoming more common, and current treatments can have tough side effects. While immunotherapy has helped some advanced head and neck cancers, it hasn't been as effective for earlier-stage HPV-related throat cancer when given alone before other treatments. This project aims to see if a special type of radiation, focused only on the tumor and not the surrounding lymph nodes, can make immunotherapy more effective. The idea is that by protecting the lymph nodes, the body's immune system can better fight the cancer when combined with immunotherapy. We are building on earlier findings that suggest healthy lymph nodes are key for immunotherapy to work well.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates would be patients with previously untreated, locally advanced HPV-mediated oropharynx cancer.
Not a fit: Patients with recurrent or metastatic head and neck squamous cell carcinoma, or those with non-HPV related cancers, may not directly benefit from this specific approach.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could lead to more effective treatments for HPV-related throat cancer with potentially fewer long-term side effects.
How similar studies have performed: While PD-1 inhibitors have shown success in recurrent/metastatic head and neck cancer, combining them with radiation in this specific neoadjuvant manner for HPV-related oropharynx cancer is a novel strategy, building on preliminary findings from experimental models and a recent Phase 1 clinical trial.
Where this research is happening
LA JOLLA, UNITED STATES
- 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
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 below.