Biological mechanism and risk factor of head and neck cancer in black

Population-based studies have identified disparities between racial groups in Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) HNSCC treatment and survival, especially for patients with African ancestry. This disparity exists even after controlling for social determinants of health and access to care. This project aims to characterize the molecular features of HNSCC tumors specifically in patients with African ancestry, as defined computationally (rather than by self-reporting). In addition to genomic alterations, the project will also identify transcriptomic changes associated with HNSCC. Pathway analysis and integration of omics data can uncover tumor vulnerabilities in Black patients for therapeutic targeting.