Baculovirus-based therapy to treat head and neck cancer with a gentle, minimally invasive approach
Official title: Baculovirus-Based Minimally Invasive Therapy for Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Funded at University of Kentucky · NIH-11445557 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A new, minimally invasive approach using baculovirus-delivered CRISPR gene editing aims to treat head and neck squamous cell carcinoma while aiming to preserve essential tissues.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Kentucky NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Lexington, United States) |
| Project start | August 6, 2026 |
| Project end | July 31, 2031 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $591,176 |
| NIH project number | 1R01DE035485-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11445557 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma eligible for minimally invasive, vector-based therapies.
✕Less likely to help
Patients requiring standard, non-minimally invasive treatments or those with contraindications to viral vectors may not benefit.
What this research studies
This project plans to develop an in vivo gene editing system that uses baculoviral vectors to deliver CRISPR components for head and neck cancer. It focuses on reducing local recurrence by targeting the precancerous field near tumors with precision, while aiming to minimize damage to critical oral and laryngeal structures. The work involves ensuring the system is biocompatible, has a large DNA capacity for multiple targets, and can efficiently transduce relevant human cells. The study will build on preliminary data and address off-target risks to improve safety for patients.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this therapy could offer a less invasive option that better preserves function and reduces recurrence for people with head and neck cancer.
How similar studies have gone: CRISPR-based approaches have shown promise in targeted cancer therapies, but in vivo baculovirus-delivery for HNSCC is exploratory and early-stage.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Kentucky
Lexington, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Tong, Sheng — University of Kentucky
- Study coordinator: Tong, Sheng
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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.