Boosting immunity against head and neck cancer with targeted radioactive therapy
Project 1: Priming and propagating immunity against head and neck cancer using targeted radionuclide therapy
['FUNDING_OTHER'] · UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN-MADISON · NIH-11172633
This effort combines a targeted radioactive drug with immune‑boosting antibodies to help people with recurrent or metastatic head and neck cancer fight their tumors.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_OTHER'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN-MADISON (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (MADISON, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11172633 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
From a patient perspective, the team will give an IV‑delivered radioactive drug that seeks out tumors throughout the body and pair it with immune checkpoint antibodies (like anti‑PD‑1) to wake up cancer‑killing T cells. Radiation to tumors can act like an in‑body vaccine by exposing cancer antigens and broadening the T cell response, and the plan is to deliver that radiation selectively to all tumor sites using tumor‑seeking compounds called alkylphosphocholine analogs. The work combines lab studies, animal work, and clinical testing to find the best dose, timing, and combinations to produce durable tumor control. The goal is to make immune therapy work better for people whose disease has come back or spread.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates are people with recurrent or metastatic head and neck squamous cell carcinoma who are eligible for immune checkpoint therapy and have measurable tumors that uptake the targeted radionuclide.
Not a fit: Patients whose tumors do not take up the targeted radioactive drug, or who cannot tolerate immune checkpoint drugs or radiation, are unlikely to benefit.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could produce stronger and longer‑lasting tumor control and improve outcomes for people with recurrent or metastatic head and neck cancer.
How similar studies have performed: Preclinical studies show that radiation can boost immune responses and improve checkpoint therapy responses in animals, but prior clinical trials combining external beam radiation with immunotherapy in head and neck cancer have not yet shown clear benefit, while targeted radionuclide approaches are newer and have shown promising early signals.
Where this research is happening
MADISON, UNITED STATES
- UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN-MADISON — MADISON, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: MORRIS, ZACHARY SCOTT — UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN-MADISON
- Study coordinator: MORRIS, ZACHARY SCOTT
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.