Biological and social factors shaping psychosocial outcomes in advanced head and neck cancer patients on immunotherapy
Official title: Biological and social determinants of psychosocial sequelae in advanced head and neck cancer survivors receiving immunotherapy
Funded at Emory University · NIH-11362490 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This grant studies how biology and social factors influence mental and emotional well-being in people with advanced head and neck cancer who are receiving immunotherapy.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Emory University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Atlanta, United States) |
| Project start | August 27, 2024 |
| Project end | June 30, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $658,618 |
| NIH project number | 5R01CA281873-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11362490 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults with advanced head and neck cancer receiving immunotherapy who are experiencing or at risk for psychosocial burden.
✕Less likely to help
Patients not undergoing immunotherapy or those without psychosocial concerns may see limited direct benefit.
What this research studies
This project looks at the emotional and social challenges that come with advanced head and neck cancer treated with immunotherapy. Researchers will explore biological markers and social context to understand why fatigue, mood changes, and other psychosocial burdens occur. The study aims to identify who is most at risk and to guide supportive care that could improve quality of life and possibly survival. Participants will be adults with advanced head and neck cancer undergoing immunotherapy, with data collected through medical records, questionnaires, and biological samples. Findings could inform personalized interventions to reduce distress and improve daily functioning for patients and families.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, patients could receive more tailored psychosocial support and care that improves quality of life during immunotherapy.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work suggests psychosocial distress is common in head and neck cancer, but this project advances understanding in the context of immunotherapy.
Where this research is happening
-
Emory University
Atlanta, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Xiao, Canhua — Emory University
- Study coordinator: Xiao, Canhua
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Understanding emotional and social challenges for people with advanced head and neck cancer on immunotherapy
This project aims to understand the emotional and social challenges faced by patients with advanced head and neck cancer who are receiving immunotherapy.
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Understanding the effects of biological and social factors on the mental health of advanced head and neck cancer survivors receiving immunotherapy
This study is looking at how both biological and social factors affect the mental health and quality of life of people with advanced head and neck cancer who are receiving immunotherapy, so we can better understand the challenges they face and improve support for their well-being.
-
Senescent T cells and immunotherapy resistance in head and neck cancer
Aims to understand why certain immune cells weaken and limit immunotherapy effectiveness in head and neck cancer, with the goal of helping patients respond better.
-
Autologous organoids and humanized mice to test head and neck cancer immunotherapy
A patient-facing overview of a research project that uses patient-derived cells to create thymic-educated immune systems and test cancer immunotherapies.
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Radiation-related scarring and related effects in head and neck cancer survivors
A study looking at how fibrosis from radiation affects neck movement, swallowing, and daily life in people who have survived head and neck cancer.
-
Microbubble-boosted immunotherapy for head and neck cancer
A small NIH-funded project will test whether injecting tiny bubbles into the bloodstream and using ultrasound can boost immunotherapy in people with head and neck cancer.
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.