Using HPV DNA in blood to detect oropharyngeal cancer early
Official title: Circulating HPV DNA as a Prediagnostic Marker of Oropharyngeal Cancer
Funded at University of Kentucky · NIH-10674048 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at whether finding HPV DNA in your blood can help catch oropharyngeal cancer early, so that people can get treated sooner and have better outcomes.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Kentucky NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Lexington, United States) |
| Project start | July 29, 2022 |
| Project end | June 30, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2023 |
| Award (this year) | $147,289 |
| NIH project number | 5R21CA267152-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10674048 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals at high risk for oropharyngeal cancer, particularly those with a history of HPV infection.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have a history of HPV infection or those with other types of head and neck cancers may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the use of circulating HPV DNA as a potential early detection marker for oropharyngeal cancer, which is increasingly common in the U.S. The study aims to identify whether the presence of HPV DNA in the bloodstream can indicate the early stages of this type of cancer, potentially years before traditional diagnosis methods are available. By analyzing blood samples, researchers hope to develop a reliable test that could lead to earlier intervention and better outcomes for patients. The approach builds on previous findings that show high sensitivity and specificity for HPV-related cancers.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to earlier detection of oropharyngeal cancer, improving treatment outcomes and survival rates for patients.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown success in using circulating tumor DNA for cancer diagnosis, but this specific application for early detection of oropharyngeal cancer is novel.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Kentucky
Lexington, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kuhs, Krystle a. — University of Kentucky
- Study coordinator: Kuhs, Krystle a.
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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.