Understanding how HPV causes head and neck cancer
Official title: Dissecting NF-kB pathway in HPV-associated head and neck cancer
Funded at Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill · NIH-10992680 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how the HPV virus might lead to certain throat cancers and how a specific signaling pathway in our cells could help us find out which patients with HPV are more likely to do well with gentler treatments, making their experience easier and less harsh.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chapel Hill, United States) |
| Project start | March 1, 2023 |
| Project end | December 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $509,676 |
| NIH project number | 5R01DE031297-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-10992680 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients diagnosed with HPV-associated head and neck squamous cell carcinoma.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with head and neck cancer not associated with HPV or those with other types of cancers may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the mechanisms by which the human papillomavirus (HPV) contributes to head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). It focuses on the NF-kB signaling pathway, which may play a crucial role in the cancer's development and response to treatment. By analyzing data from multiple patient cohorts, the study aims to identify biomarkers that can predict which HPV+ patients are likely to benefit from less aggressive treatment options. This could help reduce the side effects associated with current therapies.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more personalized treatment plans for HPV+ head and neck cancer patients, potentially reducing treatment-related side effects.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the role of the NF-kB pathway in cancer, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill
Chapel Hill, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Yarbrough, Wendell G — Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill
- Study coordinator: Yarbrough, Wendell G
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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.