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Identification of Risk Factors and Patient Populations at Risk for Developing Cancer of the Head and Neck

Principal Investigator
Name
Jay Piccirillo
Degrees
MD
Institution
Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis
Position Title
Professor of Otolaryngology - Head & Neck Surgery; Vice Chair for Research
Email
About this CDAS Project
Study
PLCO (Learn more about this study)
Project ID
PLCO-1003
Initial CDAS Request Approval
Jul 14, 2022
Title
Identification of Risk Factors and Patient Populations at Risk for Developing Cancer of the Head and Neck
Summary
Certain risk factors for head and neck cancer, such as alcohol, tobacco, areca nut consumption, and HPV infection, are well-established; however, the role of diet, exercise, the oral microbiome, and genetics in developing head and neck cancer have yet to be fully elucidated. Although many studies have investigated risk factors for head and neck cancer, there is a paucity of large-scale data from high-quality, prospective studies, such as PLCO. Using data from PLCO, we aim to identify novel risk factors for head and neck cancer, quantify the relative contributions of known risk factors, and to compare these risk factors to risk factors for other types of cancer. In addition, we hope to develop predictive models which would allow for identification of at-risk patients. Finally, correlation of any findings with publicly available oral microbiome and GWAS data may provide further understanding into the pathogenesis of cancer of the head and neck.
Aims

- To identify novel risk factors for developing cancers of the head and neck (including thyroid and melanoma)
- To quantify the relative contributions of known risk factors for developing cancers of the head and neck
- To compare and contrast risk factors of head and neck cancer to risk factors for other types of cancer
- To develop accurate predication models of patient risk for developing cancers of the head and neck
- To correlate clinical findings with findings from analysis of oral microbiome / GWAS data (both time-permitting; will submit a separate, more detailed application for GWAS data through dbGaP Website)

Collaborators

Dorina Kallogjeri, MD, MPH; Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis
Matthew A. Shew, MD; Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis

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