Project 465385

Background and Significance: Human papillomavirus (HPV) related head and neck cancer is the fastest rising cancer in North America. The standard of care treatment is high dose chemotherapy with high dose radiation. This treatment strategy is general effective, curing approximately 85% of patients, but carries significant side effects including frequent difficulty swallowing, jaw damage, hearing loss, dry mouth and loss of taste. Biomarkers are needed to de-intensify treatment for low-risk patients, and alternatively treatment intensification for those at high-risk of treatment failure. Goals of the project We have developed a novel immune score called University of Western Ontario 3 (UWO3) which is a three gene score that involves quantifying the immune cells within HPV-positive head and neck cancers, which accurately predicts response to therapy. The aim of this grant is to further develop this into a test that can be used in clinical care, do further molecular testing to understand the role of the immune system in treatment resistance, and develop a mouse model of this cancer to test immune therapies in. Project description 1) To develop the UWO3 score into a test that can be used in clinical care. 2) Carry out comprehensive molecular analysis of tumors at the level of individual cells. 3) Develop a mouse model of HPV-positive head and neck cancer to test immune therapies. Significance and impact: If we are able to refine our immune score for HPV-positive head and neck cancer, it will immediately lead to clinical trials for this rapidly increasing patient group. Those studies have the potential to dramatically improve the post-treatment quality of life for these patients without compromising survival.