Advancing treatments and care for head and neck cancer
Head and Neck Cancer SPORE at the University of Wisconsin
Combines targeted radiation-like drugs with immunotherapy to try to improve survival and quality of life for people with head and neck cancer.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Wisconsin-Madison NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Madison, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11172626 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers at the University of Wisconsin are bringing together lab scientists and head and neck cancer doctors to move new lab discoveries into patient care. The program tests combinations such as targeted radionuclide therapies with immune checkpoint inhibitors and develops predictive models to help match patients with the best treatments. Teams will study how immune changes affect responses and will push promising molecules from preclinical testing into clinical trials. The work focuses on improving cure rates while reducing treatment harms that affect speech, swallowing, breathing, and appearance.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People diagnosed with head and neck cancer who are eligible and willing to join clinical trials or translational research at University of Wisconsin–Madison or affiliated sites are the primary candidates.
Not a fit: People without head and neck cancer, or patients whose tumors lack the specific molecular targets or who do not meet trial eligibility criteria, may not benefit directly from this program.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Could lead to more effective, less toxic treatments that increase survival and preserve speech, swallowing, breathing, and appearance for people with head and neck cancer.
How similar studies have performed: Combining radiation-based targeted therapies with immunotherapy has shown promise in some cancers, but applying these specific combinations in head and neck cancer remains experimental and under active study.
Where this research is happening
Madison, United States
- University of Wisconsin-Madison — Madison, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Harari, Paul M — University of Wisconsin-Madison
- Study coordinator: Harari, Paul M
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.