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.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Yale University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New Haven, United States) |
| Project start | March 1, 2024 |
| Project end | February 28, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $675,007 |
| NIH project number | 5R01CA278212-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-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
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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.