Eosinophils and esophageal cancer: uncovering a new protective role
Official title: Defining the role of eosinophils in the development of esophageal malignancy
Funded at Veterans Health Administration · NIH-11181415 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A study exploring whether a type of immune cell called eosinophils can help prevent esophageal cancer from developing or progressing in people at risk.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Veterans Health Administration NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Nashville, United States) |
| Project start | April 1, 2026 |
| Project end | March 31, 2030 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| NIH project number | 1I01BX006820-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11181415 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Individuals at risk for or diagnosed with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma, or those contributing tissue samples for research, may be considered for related future studies.
✕Less likely to help
People without esophageal cancer or related risk may not directly benefit from this study.
What this research studies
Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma is a deadly cancer with limited survival, and current therapies only marginally extend life. This project investigates whether eosinophils, a type of immune cell, play a protective role in the early stages of esophageal cancer and could lead to new treatment approaches. Researchers will use animal models and human tissue insights to understand how eosinophils influence tumor development and response to therapy. The goal is to identify new strategies that harness eosinophils to improve outcomes for patients with or at risk for ESCC. The work is led by Yash Choksi at the Veterans Health Administration in Nashville and aims to translate basic discoveries into clinical opportunities.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the research could reveal a novel way to slow or prevent esophageal cancer by leveraging eosinophils, potentially expanding treatment options for patients.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work in animal models has suggested eosinophils may protect against ESCC, but human relevance remains to be confirmed.
Where this research is happening
-
Veterans Health Administration
Nashville, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Choksi, Yash — Veterans Health Administration
- Study coordinator: Choksi, Yash
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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.