The UPMC Department of Otolaryngology is the home of the Specialized Program of Research Excellence (SPORE) grant in Head and Neck Cancer at the University of Pittsburgh.
This collaborative grant, funded by the National Cancer Institute (NCI-NIH), provides money for multiple laboratories involved in biomedical head and neck cancer research.
» Learn more about the NCI's SPORE grants.
Cancer Vaccines and Tests
Other ongoing research projects at the UPMC Division of Head and Neck Cancer include:
- Research on a cancer vaccine against the p53 tumor suppressor.
- A preliminary research investigation seeks to develop a new vaccine for patients with oral cavity and oropharynx carcinoma.
- A new study evaluates an intraoperative test using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to identify—in 30 minutes—the spread of cancer into the neck lymph nodes.
- Studies funded by the National Institutes of Health aim to understand biological signaling in cancer cells better.
- A major effort to develop a study on the care of thyroid cancer also is underway.
The division bases its research efforts on the guiding principle that today's findings may lead to new knowledge and improved patient care.
Patient Participation in Head and Neck Cancer Research
All of the patients undergoing head and neck cancer treatment at UPMC have the opportunity to participate in clinical outcomes research.
We carefully track important treatment and outcomes data of consenting patients in the head and neck tumor registry. This database allows UPMC physicians to obtain vital treatment-related outcomes information about their patients.
Funding for this form of practice-based learning is through private philanthropy, thanks to the Stout Family Fund for Head and Neck Cancer Research. This will ensure that future generations can benefit from the experiences of today’s patients.
Contact the UPMC Institute for Head & Neck Surgery
Please call 412-647-2100 to schedule an appointment with a UPMC head and neck surgeon or to learn more about our research.
University Ear, Nose & Throat Specialists (Oakland)
203 Lothrop Street
Pittsburgh, PA 15213