Optimizing HPV-positive oropharyngeal cancer treatment by selecting patients and reducing therapy intensity
Official title: Project 2: Optimizing patient selection and deintensified therapy for human papillomavirus positive (HPV+) oropharyngeal cancer (OPC)
Funded at University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh · NIH-11404947 · Data updated 2026-11-12
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.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Pittsburgh, United States) |
| Project start | July 1, 2004 |
| Project end | August 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $361,443 |
| NIH project number | 5P50CA097190-20 |
| Project ID | NIH-11404947 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Patients with HPV-positive oropharyngeal cancer eligible for surgery and subsequent risk-adapted therapy may be ideal.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with high-risk features who require full-intensity therapy may not benefit from de-intensification.
What this research studies
HPV-positive oropharyngeal cancer patients often have great survival, but current treatments can cause long-term toxicity. The project builds on surgical and molecular profiling approaches to identify which patients might safely receive de-intensified therapy after surgery. By linking genomics, transcriptomics, and radiology data from ECOG 3311 participants, researchers aim to develop a four-gene signature that predicts high-risk neck disease before surgery. If successful, this could help tailor treatment to reduce toxicity without compromising cure chances. The work is conducted at the University of Pittsburgh with multi-site collaboration to translate findings into clinical practice.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Patients could benefit from personalized, less toxic treatment plans without sacrificing cancer control.
How similar studies have gone: Prior ECOG 3311 showed promising survival with risk-adapted therapy, supporting further refinement of patient selection.
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
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Understanding HIV and HPV-linked throat cancer with single-cell analysis and new mouse models
This grant explores how HIV and HPV together affect immune cells in HPV-positive oropharyngeal cancer, using single-cell sequencing and innovative mouse models to guide better prevention and treatment.
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.