Understanding why Black patients have worse outcomes in head and neck cancer
Official title: The biological mechanisms of racial disparity in head and neck cancer
Funded at University of California, San Francisco · NIH-11058956 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at why Black patients with head and neck cancer may have different outcomes and aims to find specific genes that could help with early detection and tailored treatments for oral cancer, so that doctors can better predict how the disease will progress in those at higher risk.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California, San Francisco NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (San Francisco, United States) |
| Project start | April 15, 2025 |
| Project end | March 31, 2030 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $714,062 |
| NIH project number | 1R01CA290401-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11058956 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are Black patients diagnosed with oral squamous cell carcinoma or those at high risk for developing this type of cancer.
✕Less likely to help
Patients of non-African ancestry or those without head and neck cancer may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the biological and molecular factors contributing to the disparities in head and neck cancer outcomes, particularly focusing on Black patients. It aims to identify specific gene expression patterns and biomarkers that can help in the early detection and personalized treatment of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). By analyzing genetic data and clinical information, the study seeks to develop a prognostic model that predicts disease progression in high-risk patients. Additionally, it explores the role of specific genomic regions, such as 8q24.21, in influencing tumor behavior in patients of African ancestry.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved early detection and tailored treatment strategies for head and neck cancer in Black patients, ultimately enhancing survival rates.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in identifying biomarkers for cancer disparities, making this approach both relevant and potentially impactful.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California, San Francisco
San Francisco, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Momen Heravi, Fatemeh — University of California, San Francisco
- Study coordinator: Momen Heravi, Fatemeh
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Biomarker to guide treatment in head and neck cancer
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AI-powered radiotherapy planning for cervical and head-and-neck cancer
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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.