Understanding how HPV-related throat cancers can be treated more effectively
Official title: Exploiting differences in HPV oncoprotein function among oropharyngeal cancers to personalize therapy
Funded at University of Pennsylvania · NIH-11146720 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain features of HPV-related throat cancers can affect treatment success, with the goal of finding better ways to tailor therapies for patients, especially those at higher risk of their cancer coming back or not responding well to standard treatments.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pennsylvania NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Philadelphia, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2024 |
| Project end | April 30, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $549,621 |
| NIH project number | 5R01DE034056-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11146720 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients diagnosed with HPV-positive oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma who are undergoing treatment.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with HPV-negative oropharyngeal cancers or those with other unrelated cancer types may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how differences in HPV oncoprotein function affect the treatment of oropharyngeal cancers, particularly those related to HPV. It aims to identify specific tumor characteristics that indicate a higher risk of recurrence and resistance to standard therapies like radiation and cisplatin. By analyzing the genetic and biochemical pathways involved, the research seeks to personalize treatment approaches, potentially reducing unnecessary toxicity for patients while improving outcomes for those at higher risk. The study will utilize advanced techniques to explore mitochondrial biogenesis and its role in cancer progression and treatment response.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more tailored therapies for HPV-related throat cancers, minimizing side effects while improving treatment efficacy.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in personalizing cancer therapies based on tumor biology, indicating that this approach could yield significant advancements.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Pennsylvania
Philadelphia, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Basu, Devraj — University of Pennsylvania
- Study coordinator: Basu, Devraj
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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.