Investigating treatments for head and neck cancer related to HPV

Targeting replication stress and homologous recombination repair mechanisms in HPV-positive and negative head and neck cancer

NIH-funded research University of Tx Md Anderson Can Ctr · NIH-11074577

This study is looking at how different types of head and neck cancer, especially those related to HPV, respond to new treatments that focus on fixing DNA damage, so we can find out which patients might get the most help from these targeted therapies.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Tx Md Anderson Can Ctr NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Houston, United States)
Project IDNIH-11074577 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research focuses on head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC), a common and serious cancer that affects many individuals each year. The study aims to understand how HPV-positive and negative HNSCCs respond to treatments that target specific DNA repair mechanisms. By examining the biology of these cancers, researchers hope to identify which patients may benefit from targeted therapies that address their unique tumor characteristics. The approach includes laboratory experiments to test the effectiveness of drugs that inhibit DNA damage repair processes in these cancer types.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research include individuals diagnosed with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma, particularly those with HPV-positive or HPV-negative tumors.

Not a fit: Patients with other types of cancers or those without head and neck squamous cell carcinoma may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective and personalized treatment options for patients with head and neck cancer.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promising results in targeting DNA repair mechanisms in various cancers, suggesting potential success for this approach in head and neck cancer.

Where this research is happening

Houston, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.