Head and Neck Cancer Program (HNCP)

Overview

The Head and Neck Cancer Program (HNCP) consists of a group of basic science investigators, clinicians, and physician scientists who are dedicated to elucidating the biology of head and neck cancer, with the ultimate aim of designing and implementing new strategies to prevent, detect, and improve outcomes of patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (SCCHN).

To accomplish this mission, members of the Head and Neck Cancer Program:

  1. Perform laboratory research to increase understanding of the genetic and cellular alterations that contribute to the development and progression of SCCHN
  2. Directly translate these laboratory findings to cell lines and tissues derived from SCCHN patients
  3. Conduct innovative clinical trials to test the hypotheses delineated in the preclinical setting
  4. Recruit new investigators to the field of head and neck cancer
  5. Train young investigators in translational head and neck cancer research approaches

These goals are accomplished under the auspices of a Specialized Program in Research Excellence (SPORE) grant in Head and Neck Cancer, in addition to individual R01 grants, head and neck cancer-focused center grants and program projects, a pilot studies program, and an NCI-sponsored training grant (T32) that supports basic research training in head and neck oncology.