Biomarker test to predict immunotherapy response in head and neck cancer
Official title: Validating immune and epigenetic biomarkers of immunotherapy response in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma
Funded at Dartmouth College · NIH-11342927 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A multi-site study aims to validate blood-based and immune biomarkers to predict which head and neck cancer patients will respond to immunotherapy.
Quick facts
| Grant type | U01 cooperative agreement |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Dartmouth College NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Hanover, United States) |
| Project start | July 15, 2026 |
| Project end | June 30, 2031 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $790,963 |
| NIH project number | 1U01DE036036-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11342927 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma who are starting or receiving checkpoint immunotherapy at participating centers.
✕Less likely to help
Patients not receiving immunotherapy or not meeting study criteria may not benefit from this biomarker validation effort.
What this research studies
This project follows patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma who are receiving checkpoint immunotherapy, collecting blood tests and immune profiles to identify markers that distinguish responders from non-responders. The study builds on prior findings and will expand an observational cohort to validate new biomarkers alongside tumor mutational burden. The goal is to help doctors tailor treatment decisions and improve outcomes for patients facing this cancer.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the findings could lead to a reliable blood-based test to guide immunotherapy choices for head and neck cancer.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work showed promising biomarkers, but validation in prospective cohorts is needed to confirm their predictive value.
Where this research is happening
-
Dartmouth College
Hanover, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Christensen, Brock C — Dartmouth College
- Study coordinator: Christensen, Brock C
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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.