Researchers from Henry Ford Health and Michigan State University have secured a $3 million grant from the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research. The funding will support their study on new treatments for head and neck cancers caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV).
“HPVs cause most cervical cancers and approximately 25% of head and neck cancers, and that number is rising sharply,” said Dohun Pyeon, professor at MSU College of Human Medicine. He highlighted that their research identified the MARCHF8 protein as potentially inhibiting the immune system from targeting infected tumor cells.
Pyeon noted that HPV-positive cancers often bypass natural mechanisms in the body, allowing them to grow undetected. Given the global infection rate with HPV, the demand for treatment for related cancers is expected to increase.
The research team, including members from both Henry Ford and MSU, has been working on improving how the body detects these cancer cells. Their efforts have been supported by grants from the Henry Ford + MSU Cancer Seed Funding Program.
“When cells become infected by a virus, they may develop cancer more rapidly,” said Qing-Sheng Mi of MSU Department of Dermatology. His team’s analysis suggests that targeting MARCHF8 could significantly enhance antitumor immunity.
The study aims to reduce treatment intensity for HPV-positive head and neck cancers while creating better treatments with fewer side effects. Steven Chang of Henry Ford Health emphasized the importance of vaccination against HPV to prevent potential integration into patient DNA which can lead to cancer.
