Colorado Head and Neck Cancer Translational Program
Colorado Head and Neck Cancer SPORE
This program develops new immune-based and combination treatments for people with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma to improve survival and quality of life.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Colorado Denver NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Aurora, UNITED STATES) |
| Project ID | NIH-11180111 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
From your perspective, this program moves lab discoveries toward new treatments for head and neck cancer, covering both HPV-related and tobacco-related tumors. Researchers use lab models and samples from patients to test immune strategies like blocking EphB4‑EFNB2 and combining TGFβ and PD‑L1 blockers with radiation. Some studies include short "window" treatments where a drug is given before standard therapy so doctors can closely study tumor and blood samples. The aim is to boost the immune response against tumors while protecting breathing, swallowing, and speech.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma, including HPV‑positive and tobacco‑related cases, who can provide tumor and blood samples and are willing to take part in clinical protocols (including short pre-treatment "window" trials) are the best candidates.
Not a fit: People with non‑squamous head and neck cancers, those too unwell for experimental therapy, or those unable to travel to the study site may not be eligible or likely to benefit.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the program could lead to new therapies that improve survival and reduce treatment-related damage to breathing, swallowing, and speaking.
How similar studies have performed: Immune checkpoint drugs (PD‑1/PD‑L1) have helped some head and neck cancer patients, but combining PD‑L1 with TGFβ blockade and targeting EphB4‑EFNB2 are newer approaches with promising lab data and limited clinical proof so far.
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.