Improving treatment for older adults with HPV-related throat cancer
Official title: Optimizing Treatment for Human Papillomavirus-Associated Oropharyngeal Cancer in Older Adults
Funded at Medical University of South Carolina · NIH-11048519 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at the best ways to treat older adults with throat cancer caused by HPV, focusing on how age and other health issues impact their treatment and quality of life, so we can create personalized plans that help them live longer with fewer side effects.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Medical University of South Carolina NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Charleston, United States) |
| Project start | December 12, 2024 |
| Project end | November 30, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $629,179 |
| NIH project number | 1R01CA290017-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11048519 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are older adults aged 65 and above who have been diagnosed with human papillomavirus-associated oropharyngeal cancer.
✕Less likely to help
Patients under the age of 65 or those without a diagnosis of HPV-related oropharyngeal cancer may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on optimizing treatment strategies for older adults diagnosed with human papillomavirus-associated oropharyngeal cancer (OPC). It aims to understand how aging and existing health conditions affect treatment outcomes and quality of life. By using disease simulation modeling, the study will evaluate the risks and benefits of different treatment approaches, taking into account patient preferences for balancing survival and treatment side effects. The goal is to develop tailored treatment plans that minimize toxicity while maintaining effective cancer control.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective and less harmful treatment options for older adults with HPV-related throat cancer.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in optimizing cancer treatments for older adults, but this specific approach focusing on HPV-related OPC is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
Medical University of South Carolina
Charleston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Deshmukh, Ashish a. — Medical University of South Carolina
- Study coordinator: Deshmukh, Ashish a.
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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AI-powered predictor for chemoradiation response in Veterans with oropharyngeal cancer
A new AI-based tool will help doctors tailor chemoradiation for Veterans with oropharyngeal cancer by predicting how each patient will respond to treatment.
-
OPC Survivor: Optimizing Long-Term Health After Oropharyngeal Cancer
This program studies how to improve long-term health and quality of life for adults treated for HPV-related oropharyngeal cancer.
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Optimizing HPV-positive oropharyngeal cancer treatment by selecting patients and reducing therapy intensity
This grant explores whether we can choose the right patients with HPV-positive throat cancer for less intensive, less toxic treatment while maintaining excellent outcomes.
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Biological factors behind different outcomes in HPV+ oropharyngeal cancer
This project looks at why some people with HPV-positive throat cancer have better or worse survival, by studying tumor biology in a large Cleveland patient group.
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Understanding how oral high-risk HPV progresses in people with HIV to prevent oropharyngeal cancer
This study follows HIV patients at high risk for HPV-related throat cancer to understand how oral HPV infections start and change over time, with the goal of catching precancer early.
-
Biomarker-based screening to find HPV-related oropharyngeal cancer early
A non-invasive oral gargle test is being developed to detect HPV-related oropharyngeal cancer at early stages, helping people at risk catch cancer sooner.
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.