Optimizing life for throat (oropharyngeal) cancer survivors
OPC SURVIVOR: Optimizing OroPharyngeal Cancer SURVIVORship
['FUNDING_P01'] · UNIVERSITY OF TX MD ANDERSON CAN CTR · NIH-11180353
This project aims to find better ways to prevent and treat long-term jaw, mouth, and swallowing problems in adults who have survived oropharyngeal (throat) cancer.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_P01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIVERSITY OF TX MD ANDERSON CAN CTR (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (HOUSTON, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11180353 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
You would be part of a program that follows adult survivors of oropharyngeal cancer to understand and reduce late side effects such as mandibular bone damage and delayed swallowing problems. The team combines regular clinical follow-up, imaging, and collection of patient samples with detailed treatment records to link symptoms to prior surgery, radiation, or therapies. They will pilot and refine clinical approaches including changes to radiation/surgical practice and rehabilitation to lower long-term harm. Laboratory and translational work at collaborating sites will help explain biological causes and suggest new ways to protect tissue and restore function.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults (21+) who have been treated for oropharyngeal (throat) cancer—especially HPV-related cases—or who are living with or at risk for late treatment-related problems like osteoradionecrosis or chronic dysphagia.
Not a fit: People with cancers outside the oropharynx, children, or patients still in initial curative treatment are unlikely to benefit directly from this survivorship-focused program.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the work could lower the risk of long-term jaw and swallowing complications and improve quality of life and return-to-work outcomes for survivors.
How similar studies have performed: Prior attempts to reduce treatment intensity have sometimes worsened outcomes and advances like transoral surgery or conformal radiotherapy still leave substantial late toxicities, so this program targets these persistent survivorship problems.
Where this research is happening
HOUSTON, UNITED STATES
- UNIVERSITY OF TX MD ANDERSON CAN CTR — HOUSTON, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: HUTCHESON, KATHERINE ARNOLD — UNIVERSITY OF TX MD ANDERSON CAN CTR
- Study coordinator: HUTCHESON, KATHERINE ARNOLD
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.