Tumor markers for cancers with extrachromosomal HPV
Molecular Markers for Tumors Associated with Extrachromosomal HPV
This project looks for molecular signals that tell apart HPV-positive tumors where the virus stays outside chromosomes versus those where it has integrated, to help people with HPV-related cancers get more precise diagnosis and treatment.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Medical College of Wisconsin NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Milwaukee, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11294321 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
If you have an HPV-positive tumor, researchers will compare tumors that keep HPV as separate DNA (extrachromosomal) with those where the virus has become part of chromosomes. They will analyze tumor tissue and genetic/RNA data, including known mutations such as ERK2 changes, to find markers that distinguish the two tumor types. The team will use sequencing and molecular profiling and link those patterns to clinical outcomes. The work aims to create tests and treatment strategies tailored to a tumor's HPV form.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with HPV-positive cervical or other HPV-related cancers who can provide tumor tissue or clinical data and can be seen at the study center or partner sites.
Not a fit: People with HPV-negative tumors or those unwilling to provide tissue or clinical follow-up are unlikely to receive direct benefit from this work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Could produce tests that identify tumor type and point to treatments better matched to a patient's HPV-positive cancer, potentially improving outcomes.
How similar studies have performed: Previous molecular profiling has linked HPV integration patterns to outcomes and the team has identified ERK2 mutations enriched in extrachromosomal tumors, but using eHPV status to guide care is a relatively new approach.
Where this research is happening
Milwaukee, United States
- Medical College of Wisconsin — Milwaukee, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Ojesina, Akinyemi Ifedapo — Medical College of Wisconsin
- Study coordinator: Ojesina, Akinyemi Ifedapo
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.