Using targeted therapies with radiation to treat HPV-related oropharyngeal cancer
Official title: Combining BET protein inhibitors with radiation in HPV oropharyngeal cancer
Funded at University of Wisconsin-Madison · NIH-10751026 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is exploring a new way to treat oropharyngeal cancer linked to HPV by using a combination of targeted therapies and radiation to help reduce side effects and improve the treatment experience for patients.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Wisconsin-Madison NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Madison, United States) |
| Project start | December 8, 2022 |
| Project end | November 30, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $166,737 |
| NIH project number | 5R21CA267518-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10751026 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with HPV-related oropharyngeal cancer who are seeking alternative treatment options.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with non-HPV-related oropharyngeal cancer or those who have already undergone extensive treatment may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates a new approach to treating oropharyngeal cancer caused by HPV by combining targeted therapies with radiation. The goal is to reduce the side effects associated with traditional treatments like cisplatin and radiation. By using specific inhibitors that target a protein called BRD4, the research aims to make cancer cells more vulnerable to radiation, potentially leading to better outcomes for patients. This innovative method seeks to improve the quality of life for those affected by this type of cancer.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective and less toxic treatment options for patients with HPV-related oropharyngeal cancer.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promise in using targeted therapies in combination with radiation for various cancers, suggesting that this approach may be effective.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Wisconsin-Madison
Madison, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Iyer, Gopal — University of Wisconsin-Madison
- Study coordinator: Iyer, Gopal
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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AI-powered predictor for chemoradiation response in Veterans with oropharyngeal cancer
A new AI-based tool will help doctors tailor chemoradiation for Veterans with oropharyngeal cancer by predicting how each patient will respond to treatment.
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OPC Survivor: Optimizing Long-Term Health After Oropharyngeal Cancer
This program studies how to improve long-term health and quality of life for adults treated for HPV-related oropharyngeal cancer.
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Optimizing HPV-positive oropharyngeal cancer treatment by selecting patients and reducing therapy intensity
This grant explores whether we can choose the right patients with HPV-positive throat cancer for less intensive, less toxic treatment while maintaining excellent outcomes.
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Biological factors behind different outcomes in HPV+ oropharyngeal cancer
This project looks at why some people with HPV-positive throat cancer have better or worse survival, by studying tumor biology in a large Cleveland patient group.
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Understanding how oral high-risk HPV progresses in people with HIV to prevent oropharyngeal cancer
This study follows HIV patients at high risk for HPV-related throat cancer to understand how oral HPV infections start and change over time, with the goal of catching precancer early.
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Biomarker-based screening to find HPV-related oropharyngeal cancer early
A non-invasive oral gargle test is being developed to detect HPV-related oropharyngeal cancer at early stages, helping people at risk catch cancer sooner.
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.