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 as a whole by Dr. David Sidransky, the division chief.
Under his direction, the Head and Neck Cancer Research Division has become internationally known as a pre-eminent center for head and neck cancer research. In addition, the division has also garnered world-wide acclaim for its efforts in molecular detection of bladder, lung, kidney, and other tumors.
Using a team approach, the division continues to draw its strength from a coordinated effort by clinicians and scientists to bring the most advanced scientific discoveries to the bedside of the patient with head and neck cancer.
Below are just a few discoveries from our research laboratories:
Highly Sensitive Detection of Tumor DNA in Blood and Saliva of Cancer Patients
Researchers in the laboratory of Dr. David Sidransky have developed a test to detect tumor DNA in the serum and saliva of cancer patients. This test is more sensitive than previous tests, because it uses genetic alterations in the mitochondria (the "power plants" for cells) present in cancer cells as a means of detection. Ongoing clinical trials to further develop new methods of detection of cancer are being pursued.
Researchers have performed a definitive study that links human papillomavirus (HPV) with the development of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. This opens many avenues for development of tumor vaccines, tumor detection, and novel therapies.
Click here for Evaluation of Promoter Hypermethylation Detection in Body Fluids as a Screening/Diagnosis Tool for Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma article.
Click here for Detection and Quantitation of Human Papillomavirus (HPV) DNA in the Sera of Patients with HPV-associated Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma article.
