Blocking eEF2 with SVC112 for head and neck cancer
Targeting eEF2 with the protein translation elongation inhibitor SVC112 in head and neck squamous cancer
['FUNDING_OTHER'] · UNIVERSITY OF COLORADO DENVER · NIH-11180123
This project uses a new drug called SVC112 that blocks protein production to try to help people with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma, including when given with radiation.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_OTHER'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIVERSITY OF COLORADO DENVER (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (Aurora, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11180123 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
Researchers are developing SVC112, a drug that inhibits the protein eEF2 to reduce cancer-driving proteins in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. They tested SVC112 on cancer cell lines and patient-derived tumors in mice, where it lowered markers like SOX2, Myc, and Cyclin D1 and shrank tumors, especially when combined with radiation. The team is also studying how SVC112 changes the tumor microenvironment and immune signals such as PD-L1 to see if it can improve immune cell invasion and response to PD-1 blockers. Work is based at the University of Colorado and aims to inform future clinical trials for people with these cancers.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma, including HPV-positive tumors or those receiving radiation, would be the most likely candidates for related clinical trials.
Not a fit: People with non-squamous head and neck cancers or those who are not eligible for experimental therapies are less likely to benefit from this specific approach.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, SVC112 could make radiation and immunotherapy more effective and shrink tumors in some people with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma.
How similar studies have performed: Drugs that block translation (for example homoharringtonine) work in other cancers, and SVC112 shows promising preclinical results but is a newer approach in head and neck cancer.
Where this research is happening
Aurora, UNITED STATES
- UNIVERSITY OF COLORADO DENVER — Aurora, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: JIMENO, ANTONIO — UNIVERSITY OF COLORADO DENVER
- Study coordinator: JIMENO, ANTONIO
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.
Conditions: Cancers