Blood exosome markers to predict treatment response in head and neck cancer
Official title: Small extracellular vesicles as biomarkers of prognosis and response to therapy in head and neck cancer
Funded at University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh · NIH-11322519 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This project looks at tiny particles in blood called exosomes to help predict how people with head and neck cancer will respond to treatment and what their likely outlook is.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Pittsburgh, United States) |
| Project start | March 15, 2023 |
| Project end | December 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $700,037 |
| NIH project number | 5R01DE031299-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11322519 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
People diagnosed with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma who can provide blood samples before and during treatment are the ideal candidates.
✕Less likely to help
People without HNSCC, or those unable or unwilling to provide blood samples, would not be eligible and are unlikely to benefit directly from this work.
What this research studies
If you have head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC), researchers will collect blood samples to isolate small extracellular vesicles (exosomes). A special immune-capture method will separate tumor-derived exosomes from those made by non-cancer cells, and the team will analyze the molecular cargo inside each type. The goal is to link exosome contents to immune suppression, treatment resistance, and patient outcomes. Findings may guide less aggressive or more targeted therapies in the future.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Could lead to a non‑invasive blood test that helps doctors personalize treatment and avoid unnecessary or ineffective therapies for HNSCC patients.
How similar studies have gone: Early studies suggest tumor-derived exosomes can reflect tumor behavior and treatment response, but this approach is still experimental and not yet part of routine care.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Whiteside, Theresa L. — University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
- Study coordinator: Whiteside, Theresa L.
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Combined Imaging and RNA Markers to Predict Head and Neck Cancer Recurrence
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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.