Detecting head and neck cancer early using immune-based technology
Official title: Early detection and risk of head and neck cancer through immune based spatial omics
Funded at Yale University · NIH-10915590 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how the immune system reacts in early signs of head and neck cancer to help doctors spot which lesions might turn into cancer, focusing on patients with oral conditions that could become cancerous.
Quick facts
| Grant type | U01 cooperative agreement |
|---|---|
| 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 | May 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $673,156 |
| NIH project number | 5U01DE033324-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-10915590 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with oral potentially malignant disorders, such as oral leukoplakia or dysplasia.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without any oral lesions or those with advanced head and neck cancer may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on improving the early detection of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) by identifying immune signatures in precancerous lesions. It utilizes a novel spatial omics technology to analyze the tumor microenvironment, which may help differentiate between benign and potentially malignant lesions. By understanding the immune responses during cancer development, the research aims to create better prognostic biomarkers for predicting cancer transformation. Patients with oral potentially malignant disorders will be the primary focus of this investigation.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to earlier and more accurate diagnoses of head and neck cancer, improving treatment outcomes for patients.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using immune profiling for cancer detection, suggesting that this approach may yield significant advancements in early diagnosis.
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.