Ultrasensitive detection of circulating DNA methylation to guide head and neck cancer prognosis
Official title: Ultrasensitive detection of circulating DNA methylation for head and neck cancer prognosis
Funded at H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Ctr & Res Inst · NIH-11411371 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A new blood-based test will look for tiny DNA methylation signals in people with head and neck cancer to better predict who’s at higher risk of poor outcomes.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Ctr & Res Inst NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Tampa, United States) |
| Project start | September 8, 2025 |
| Project end | May 31, 2030 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $712,674 |
| NIH project number | 5R01DE034377-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11411371 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma, especially HPV-negative, may be candidates for participation.
✕Less likely to help
Some patients may not experience a clear prognostic benefit from the tested markers.
What this research studies
This project aims to create a clinical cohort to study non-invasive DNA methylation markers in circulating DNA and immune cells from blood in patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. By using ultrasensitive detection methods, it seeks to improve prognostic accuracy and help tailor treatments, including immunotherapy or de-escalation for lower-risk patients. The study will combine molecular testing with clinical follow-up to see how well these markers predict survival and recurrence. Results could lead to more personalized care and better survival for patients with HPV-negative tumors.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, patients could receive more precise prognosis and more personalized treatment plans.
How similar studies have gone: Preliminary data exist supporting the value of circulating DNA methylation as a prognostic biomarker in cancer, with ongoing developments in this area.
Where this research is happening
-
H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Ctr & Res Inst
Tampa, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Chung, Christine H — H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Ctr & Res Inst
- Study coordinator: Chung, Christine H
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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.