Detecting the virus HPV to predict the presence of cancer
Full project title: Novel plasma Human Papillomavirus DNA assay as a predictor of residual disease after chemo-radiotherapy for locally advanced head and neck cancer
Tag: Predictive tests
![Icon-predicative-tests Predicative Tests](https://oraclehnc.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/Icon-predicative-tests-150x150.jpg)
![Dr Jennifer Lee Dr Jennifer Lee](https://oraclehnc.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/bb-plugin/cache/Dr-Jennifer-Lee-683x1024-landscape-c9a5a9052ecdebd6c6ffc92157e856f9-5c35de0361379.jpeg)
Project type:
Project
Project Leader:
Dr Shree Bhide
Researcher:
Dr Jen Lee
Commencement date:
April 2018
Length of project:
1 year
Funding provided:
£39,000
Funder:
Oracle Cancer Trust
Location:
The Institute of Cancer Research
As well as alcohol and tobacco, the human papilloma virus (HPV) is a known risk factor in head and neck cancer. HPV-positive head and neck cancer has been rising over the past 30 years and is set to continue, with a predicted increase of 230% in coming years.
In patients with HPV-positive head and neck cancer, it is not always clear from scans (PET-CT) if treatment with chemo-radiotherapy has been totally successful in clearing the cancer. In these cases, patients frequently undergo unnecessary neck dissection and repeated biopsies to make sure there is no disease remaining, also called residual disease. This causes significant morbidity.
![Blood test Blood test](https://oraclehnc.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/Blood-test-300x202.jpeg)
Help fund this project
For more information on funding our Research Projects please email us
Donate now and together we can save more lives by beating cancer sooner.