Enhancing the immune response in head and neck cancer
Restoring the Immunogenicity of Head and Neck Cancer
This study is looking for ways to make immunotherapy work better for people with head and neck cancer whose tumors aren't responding to current treatments, by finding new methods to boost the immune system and help it fight the cancer more effectively.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Tx Md Anderson Can Ctr NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Houston, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11121513 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research focuses on improving the effectiveness of immunotherapy for patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNC), particularly those whose tumors are currently unresponsive to treatment. The approach involves using various strategies to activate the immune system, specifically targeting the STING pathway to enhance the immune response against tumors. By transforming 'cold' tumors into 'hot' tumors, the goal is to increase the number of patients who can benefit from existing immunotherapy options. The research will explore the mechanisms behind resistance to these treatments and seek to identify new ways to overcome this challenge.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are patients diagnosed with metastatic, unresectable, or recurrent head and neck squamous cell carcinoma who have not responded to standard treatments.
Not a fit: Patients with early-stage head and neck cancer or those whose tumors are already responsive to current immunotherapy may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly improve treatment outcomes for patients with head and neck cancer by making previously untreatable tumors responsive to immunotherapy.
How similar studies have performed: While some similar approaches have shown promise, the specific strategies being tested in this research are novel and aim to address the unique challenges of resistance in head and neck cancer.
Where this research is happening
Houston, United States
- University of Tx Md Anderson Can Ctr — Houston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Lei, Yu Leo — University of Tx Md Anderson Can Ctr
- Study coordinator: Lei, Yu Leo
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.