PI: Aaron Weinberg, Chad Zender
School of Dental Medicine researchers are collaborating with ENT surgeons at University Hospitals to conduct a pilot study to test the feasibility of using hBD-3 expression as a predictive biomarker in the diagnosis of head and neck cancer. The study consists of clinical data biospecimen collection, including saliva, oral rinse, oral swabs, blood, and biopsy samples. Study goals include the development of easy to use, cost-effective, and non-invasive approaches for head and neck cancer screening. Find out more about the biomarker.
PI: Chad Zender
The Comprehensive Head and Neck Database is a biorepository and clinical data registry that collects and maintains quality biospecimens for purposes relating to head and neck/oral research, with a specific focus on head and neck oncology. Materials are collected from both disease and healthy patient populations and contain standard clinical, pathology, and outcome data. Qualified investigators are able to receive materials though an electronic application process found on the project's website. Find out more about the database.
PI: Ge Jin
The Jin Laboratory in the School of Dental Medicine is collaborating with University Hospital clinicians to investigate the mechanism by which hBD-3 promotes the progression of head and neck cancer through recruitment and activation of tumor-promoting myeloid cells and clinical outcomes in patients. Associated analyses include clinical outcomes in patients regarding hBD-3 expression, tumoral and circulating immune cells, and expression of check-point molecules. The study involves the collection of clinical data, blood samples, and oral lesion samples in both human and animal models. Find out more about beta-defensins.
PI: Michael Gibson
PI: Chad Zender
Student Investigator: Kate Clancy
PI: Chad Zender
Student Investigator: Eric Babajanian
PI: Chad Zender
Student Investigator: Kate Clancy
PI: Chad Zender
Student Investigator: Ryan Augustin
PI: Chad Zender
Student Investigator: Luke Apisa