Developing new mouse models to improve treatment for head and neck cancer
Official title: Employing Novel Primary Mouse Models of Head and Neck Cancer to Overcome Chemoradiation Resistance
Funded at University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh · NIH-10925397 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at ways to improve treatment for head and neck cancer that isn't caused by HPV, using special mice to better understand why some tumors don't respond to common therapies, so that patients can eventually have more effective treatment options.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Career grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Pittsburgh, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2023 |
| Project end | August 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $160,812 |
| NIH project number | 5K08DE029887-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-10925397 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with HPV-negative head and neck cancer who are facing challenges with current treatment options.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with HPV-positive head and neck cancer may not benefit from this research as it specifically targets HPV-negative cases.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding and overcoming the challenges of treating head and neck cancer, particularly in cases that are not related to HPV. By creating innovative mouse models that closely mimic human tumors, the research aims to explore why some cancers resist standard treatments like radiation and cisplatin. The approach involves using genetically engineered mice to study the biology of these tumors and test new combinations of therapies. Patients may benefit from insights gained that could lead to more effective treatment options.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatment strategies for patients with head and neck cancer, potentially reducing recurrence rates.
How similar studies have gone: While there have been advancements in cancer research, this approach using novel mouse models for HPV-negative head and neck cancer is relatively new and untested.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Mowery, Yvonne Marie — University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
- Study coordinator: Mowery, Yvonne Marie
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Biomarker to guide treatment in head and neck cancer
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AI-powered radiotherapy planning for cervical and head-and-neck cancer
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AI-powered radiotherapy planning for cervical and head-and-neck cancer
A UK research team is testing an AI-based software to automatically outline cancer areas and plan radiation beams to speed up treatment for cervical and head-and-neck cancers in LMICs.
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.