Validating biomarkers for diagnosing and treating HPV-related throat cancer

Observational study to validate circulating HPVDNA and prognostic genomic biomarkers for diagnosis and treatment of HPV-associated OPSCC

NIH-funded research Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill · NIH-10887386

This study is looking to make it easier to diagnose and treat throat cancer linked to HPV by finding specific markers that can help identify patients who are less likely to have their cancer come back, so they can receive gentler treatments and have fewer side effects.

Quick facts

Grant typeU01 cooperative agreement
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniv of North Carolina Chapel Hill NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Chapel Hill, United States)
Project IDNIH-10887386 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research focuses on improving the diagnosis and treatment of HPV-associated oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (HPV+ OPSCC), which has become increasingly common. The study aims to validate specific biomarkers that can help identify patients at low risk of recurrence, allowing for less aggressive treatment options. By detecting the disease and its recurrences earlier, the research seeks to personalize therapy and reduce the long-term side effects associated with current treatment methods. Patients will be monitored for their response to treatment using these biomarkers, which could lead to better outcomes.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with HPV-associated oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma.

Not a fit: Patients with HPV-negative oropharyngeal cancers or those with other unrelated malignancies may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more personalized and less invasive treatment options for patients with HPV+ OPSCC.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promise in using biomarkers for cancer detection and treatment personalization, indicating potential success for this approach.

Where this research is happening

Chapel Hill, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Conditions Cancersneoplasm/cancer
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.