The Head and Neck Cancer Research Division comprises both clinicians and scientists dedicated to eradication of head and neck cancer. It includes several laboratories, and is directed by Dr. David Sidransky, the division chief.
Listed below are the current studies and research being conducted for head and neck cancer:
Observational Study of Swallowing Function after Treatment of Advanced Laryngeal Cancer (TALC)
This is a multi-instititional study to look at swallowing and quality of life in patients with advanced laryngeal/hypopharyngeal cancer for which curative treatment is planned. Patients agreeing to participate in this study are asked to complete a set of 4 questionnaires regarding swallowing function and overall well being. The type of treatment - chemoradiation or surgery - is determined by the treating physician and is not altered as a result of participation in this study.
Principal Investigator: Christine Gourin, M.D. 410-614-0609
HPV Oral Transmission Study in Partners Over Time ( HOTSPOT)
Recent research has demonstrated that human papillomavirus (HPV) is a cause of some oropharyngeal squamous cell cancers, yet oral HPV natural history and transmission between partners has not been well studied. In order to better understand agreement in and risk of oral and oropharyngeal HPV infection (referred to as oral HPV infection hereafter) in high-risk long term partners, we plan to evaluate oral HPV infection in HPV-positive oropharyngeal cancer patients and their sexual partners. Furthermore, we are evaluating factors associated with persistent and newly-detected oral HPV infection in partners (age, sexual behavior, marijuana, tobacco). Participant partners will receive a free head and neck examination.
Principal Investigator: Sara Pai, M.D., PhD 410-502-9825
Study Coordinator: Shirani Rajan 410-502-5358
Molecular Surveillance for Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Upper Aerodigestive Tract
Development of a screening test for cancer of the mouth and throat: Cancers of the mouth and throat may go undetected in their earliest and most treatable stages. A new test that analyzes the DNA from cells released when an individual gargles is being developed at Johns Hopkins. Any patient who has already been diagnosed with having Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the mouth or throat is eligible to participate.
Study Coordinator: Zubair Khan, M.D. 410-955-3157
Principal Investigator: Wayne Koch, M.D. 410-955-4906
Head and Neck Cancer Research Division 410-502-5153
Detection of Genetic Alteration in Head and Neck Tumors
The basic genetic steps that lead to a variety of types of head and neck tumors (benign or malignant), including thyroid cancer, salivary gland cancer, squamous cell cancers, and other are currently under active investigation to identify new genetic alterations that can identify cells as cancerous or normal. Identification of these alterations will lead to the development of new, molecularly based therapies. Any patient with a head and neck tumor, either benign or malignant, is eligible for this study.
Study Coordinator: Zubair Khan, M.D. 410-955-3157
Principal Investigator: Wayne Koch, M.D. 410-955-4906
Head and Neck Cancer Research Division 410-502-5153
Molecular Screening in a Population at Risk for Head and Neck Cancer
A study is currently underway to investigate and look at changes in DNA and genes from normal cells in the saliva and blood samples. Specifically, this research study will look at cells from the mouth and/or throat and blood to see which genes are turned on or off The information from this study will help better understand how often these changes occur in the general population and in people at risk for developing head and neck cancer, which in turn will help to better understand how cancer develops. Any adult who does not currently have head and neck cancer is eligible to be enrolled. Participation is limited to the day of testing and yearly follow ups through phone calls.
Participants will receive a free head and neck examination on the day of testing and may also return for free yearly head and neck exams. Participants will also be compensated in the amount of $20.
Study Coordinator: Zubair Khan, M.D. 410-955-3157
Principal Investigator: Joseph Califano, M.D. 410-955-6420
Head and Neck Cancer Research Division 410-502-5153.
Molecular and Immunologic Analysis of Tumors and/or Draining Lymph Nodes of Head and Neck Cancer Patients
Information is being collected regarding the spectrum of molecular and immunologic alterations underlying the development of cancers of the upper aerodigestive tract. In recent decades, little progress has been achieved in terms of improved survival for patients with head and neck cancer despite advances in radiologic imaging, surgical techniques, and chemo-radiation therapy. Knowledge of the genetic and immunologic basis of these cancers is needed in order to develop and understand new strategies for developing novel immunologic therapies such as vaccines. In order to gather this knowledge, there is a need to better understand the molecular and immunologic responses occurring within tumors and/or draining lymph nodes of these cancer patients. This project examines the genetic and immunologic responses within the tumor and/or draining lymph nodes of cancer patients undergoing a tumor resection and/or cervical lymphadectomy as part of their routine cancer management
Principal Investigator: Sara Pai, M.D., PhD 410-502-9825
Study Coordinator: Belinda Akpeng 410-955-3157
HIV Infection and Head and Neck Cancer
Cumulative evidence suggests that a proportion of patients with HIV-1 infection develop head and neck cancer (HNC). Although it is suspected that immunodeficiency in these patients contributes to lower immune surveillance against a malignant process, little is known about mechanisms of immune suppression that lead to the development and progression of HNC in some HIV-1+ subjects. Likewise, it is not known whether cancer progression or its aggressiveness is greater in HIV-1+ subjects who develop HNC as compared to HIV-1-negative subjects with HNC. This gap in knowledge limits our ability to successfully treat this cohort of HNC patients. It is assumed that because of severely compromised immunity, their cancers are aggressive and rapidly progressing. In fact, clinical observations suggest that HNC in this cohort of patients are aggressive and difficult to treat, although formal clinical studies are lacking. Therefore, an increased understanding of mechanisms that operate in vivo and contribute to the understanding of HNC in HIV-1+ subjects is crucial for the selection of the most effective therapies for this unique patient population. Studies are necessary to define underlying immune and molecular mechanisms of development of head and neck cancer in HIV-1+ subjects in order to be able to rationally approach their management and treatment plan as well as predict outcome.
Principal Investigator: Sara Pai, M.D., PhD 410-502-9825
Study Coordinator: Belinda Akpeng 410-955-3157
Detection of Molecular Markers in Patients with Recurrent Respiratory Papillomatosis
Recurrent respiratory papillomatosis (RRP) is a disease of viral origin (caused by human papillomavirus or HPV). Although it is a benign disease, RRP has potentially morbid consequences mainly due to airway obstruction due to abnormal growths. The disease is often difficult to treat because of its tendency to recur and spread throughout the respiratory tract. The course of RRP is variable: some patients experience spontaneous remission and others suffer from aggressive papillomatous growth that requires multiple surgical procedures over many years. An estimated 15,000 procedures are performed in the United States each year for adults and children with RRP with a total annual cost which exceeds $150 million a year. Therefore, it is important to develop new approaches that could help improve its management. The advent of molecularly-targeted agents, provides an opportunity to investigate their clinical effectiveness and mechanism of action in patients with RRP. The purpose of this study is to identify molecular markers in this subset of patients which may correlate with the severity of the disease and to evaluate the change in expression of these markers longitudinally.
Principal Investigator: Sara Pai, M.D., PhD 410-502-9825
Study Coordinator: Belinda Akpeng 410-955-3157
Detection of Genetic Alterations in Head and Neck Tumors of Children
Information is being collected regarding the spectrum of specific genetic alterations underlying the development of neoplasms of the upper aerodigestive tract in children. Knowledge of the genetic basis of these lesions is needed in order to develop novel strategies for early diagnosis and effective therapy. Specfically, we are interested in evaluating the genetic alterations (tumor suppressor gene mutations, loss of heterozygosity (LOH) of genetic markers, viral oncoprotein gene expression, immune modulator gene expression) present in benign, premalignant and malignant neoplasms of head and neck cancers in children. In addition, we are evaluating the prevalence and clinical (prognostic) significance of each tumor-specific alteration.
Principal Investigator: Sara Pai, M.D., PhD 410-502-9825
Study Coordinator: Belinda Akpeng 410-955-3157
Circulating Nucleic Acids as Biomarkers of Therapeutic Response in Malignancies
Principle Investigator: Nishant Agrawal, M.D. 410-502-9827
Detection of Genetic Alterations in Patients with Melanoma
Study Coordinator : Zubair Khan, M.D. 410-955-3157
Princpal Investigator : Joseph Califano, M.D. 410-955-6420
Head and Neck Cancer Research Division 410-502-5153
Sjogrens International Collaborative Alliances Study (SICCA)
Principle Investigator: Christine Gourin, M.D. 410-614-0609
Xenoplantation of HNSCC into Humanized NOG to Reconstitute the Tumor Environment
Principle Investigator: Young Kim, M.D. 410-550-0460
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