NIH-funded research R01 grant

Combining T cell therapy with a new treatment for HPV-related head and neck cancers

Official title: Cue-101 and TCR-T cell Combinatorial Strategy for HPV+ Head and Neck Cancers

Funded at Yale University · NIH-11038001 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is testing a new way to treat head and neck cancers linked to HPV by using specially modified immune cells that can find and fight the cancer, and it's for patients with HPV-positive cancers who want to explore a promising treatment option.

More Head and Neck Cancers research and trials

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionYale University
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (New Haven, United States)
Project startMarch 1, 2024
Project endFebruary 28, 2029
Funding year2025
Award (this year)$675,007
NIH project number5R01CA278212-02
Project IDNIH-11038001 on NIH RePORTER

Who could benefit from this research

Could help

Ideal candidates for this research are patients diagnosed with HPV-positive head and neck squamous cell carcinoma who express the HLA-A*0201 antigen.

Less likely to help

Patients with HPV-negative head and neck cancers or those who do not express the HLA-A*0201 antigen may not benefit from this research.

What this research studies

This research investigates a novel approach to treating head and neck cancers associated with human papillomavirus (HPV) by using genetically engineered T cells that target a specific HPV protein. The study aims to enhance the effectiveness of adoptive cell therapy by improving T cell persistence and reducing side effects. Patients will receive a low dose of these engineered T cells, which are designed to recognize and attack cancer cells expressing the HPV16 E7 antigen. The research will assess the safety and efficacy of this combined treatment strategy in patients with HPV-positive cancers.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective and safer treatment options for patients with HPV-related head and neck cancers.

How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown promising results with similar T cell therapies targeting HPV-related cancers, indicating potential for success in this approach.

Where this research is happening

  • Yale University
    New Haven, United States
    Active

Researchers

  • Principal investigator: Pai, Sara Isabel — Yale University
  • Study coordinator: Pai, Sara Isabel

Related research

Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.