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Cancers affecting the mouth, nose, and throat are on the rise in the U.S., particularly among younger individuals. According to the American Cancer Society, approximately 60,000 new cases are diagnosed annually, with one in five occurring in people younger than 55. A groundbreaking study has now provided insights that could enhance oncologists’ ability to predict treatment responses, potentially improving survival outcomes for patients.
The study, recently published in Scientific Reports, was conducted by researchers from the University of Maryland School of Medicine (UMSOM) Department of Radiation Oncology and the University of Maryland Marlene and Stewart Greenebaum Comprehensive Cancer Center (UMGCCC). The research focused on analyzing pre-treatment CT scans of patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) to identify radiomic biomarkers that can predict disease aggression and response to treatment.
CT scans are a standard diagnostic tool for HNSCC patients, allowing oncologists to develop personalized treatment plans. In this study, researchers analyzed data from 203 patients treated at UMGCCC and 77 patients from the MD Anderson Cancer Center, with cases dating back to 2003.
Using radiomics—advanced mathematical and statistical algorithms—the team identified tumor characteristics not visible to the human eye. These biomarkers were then utilized to develop predictive models for treatment response, particularly regarding progression-free survival rates. The researchers concluded that these radiomic biomarkers provide valuable insights into which patients may benefit most from specific treatments.
“Integrating prognostic and predictive biomarkers into clinical care could help to provide more targeted therapies, leading to improved survival outcomes for patients,” said the study’s senior author, Dr. Lei Ren, Professor of Radiation Oncology and Associate Chief of Physics Research at UMSOM. “The findings from this study pave the way for future investigations through larger clinical trials to further evaluate the clinical efficacy of radiomics biomarkers for progression-free survival prediction in HNSCC patients.”
Despite advancements in treatment, the five-year survival rate for HNSCC remains around 50 percent. Smoking, alcohol consumption, and certain strains of Human Papillomavirus (HPV) are significant risk factors. Treatment options often include surgical removal of tumors, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, or a combination of these, with potential side effects impacting speech, swallowing, and vision.
The study suggests that radiomic biomarkers could help oncologists tailor treatment plans to minimize these long-term side effects. Less aggressive treatments may be recommended for patients with biomarkers associated with lower disease progression risk, potentially improving their quality of life.
“This research aligns with our goal at UMGCCC to improve patient outcomes while reducing treatment side effects,” said Dr. William F. Regine, Chair of the University of Maryland Department of Radiation Oncology. “Extracting imaging biomarkers from standard-of-care CT scans provides a noninvasive approach without additional costs to patients.”
Dr. Daria Gaykalova, Associate Professor of Otorhinolaryngology at UMSOM and researcher at the Institute for Genome Sciences (IGS), highlighted her team’s contributions in acquiring clinical data and validating findings. “We are proud to contribute to research in head and neck cancers to better understand their causes and treatments,” she said.
Future research will aim to further validate these findings using data from other institutions before clinical trials can be conducted. Researchers hope that eventually, treatment recommendations can be tailored based on these imaging biomarkers, allowing for personalized and less invasive treatment approaches.
“While preliminary, this study provides a promising path forward to developing a non-invasive tool for personalized treatment of head and neck cancers,” said Dr. Taofeek K. Owonikoko, Executive Director of UMGCCC.
Disclaimer:
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Patients should consult with their healthcare providers for personalized diagnosis and treatment recommendations.
Reference: Xiao Ling et al, Identification of CT-based radiomic biomarkers for progression-free survival in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma, Scientific Reports (2025). DOI: 10.1038/s41598-025-85498-x
