RCSprogram

Archive for July, 2010

The Head and Neck Oncology Program provides advanced diagnostic techniques, management and rehabilitation for patients with cancers of the head and neck. The program works in collaboration with specialists in otolaryngology, radiation oncology, hematology/oncology, speech and language pathology, hospital dentistry and other related fields.

The Head and Neck Oncology Program (HNOP) is a comprehensive program in Head and Neck Cancer Research that includes basic, clinical, behavioral, population and translational research. The program consists of 32 members from 13 departments in 5 schools within the University of Michigan receiving over $3.6 million in annual direct costs. Many members of this program also hold joint membership in other Cancer Center basic science or prevention programs which integrate additional fundamental research into the underlying mechanisms of head and neck cancer behavior and treatment.

The major scientific aims of the HNO program are to:

• Define organ preservation strategies in head and neck cancer;
• Develop and implement reconstruction and rehabilitation techniques for head and neck cancer patients
• Determine the molecular biology of treatment response;
• Identify mechanisms of carcinogenesis and progression;
• Characterize the role of cancer stem cells in tumor progression, invasion, metastasis and resistance to treatment;
• Define new treatment combinations based on laboratory and clinical studies that define new biomarkers for individualized therapies;
• Characterize the immunobiology of the tumor microenvironment to better modulate the immune system as a therapeutic modality; and
• Continue the development of novel reconstruction and rehabilitation of head and neck cancer patients.

In 2008 we successfully renewed the Head and Neck Cancer SPORE which further strengthens the HNOP by providing pilot and career development funding to support new research programs and foster the careers of new investigators focused on head and neck oncology. The HNOP is heavily invested in basic and translational research.