Finding better treatments for head and neck cancer

Yale Head and Neck Cancer SPORE: Overcoming Treatment Resistance in Head and Neck Cancer

['FUNDING_OTHER'] · YALE UNIVERSITY · NIH-10889230

This study at Yale is looking into why some head and neck cancers don’t respond well to current treatments, especially for those that aren't linked to HPV, and they’re working on new ways to help improve treatment options and outcomes for patients.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_OTHER']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorYALE UNIVERSITY (nih funded)
Locations1 site (NEW HAVEN, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-10889230 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

This research focuses on improving treatment options for head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC), a common and often deadly cancer. The team at Yale is investigating why some tumors resist current therapies, including immunotherapy and targeted treatments. They aim to develop new strategies to overcome this resistance, particularly for HPV-negative tumors, which are less responsive to existing treatments. By combining different therapeutic approaches, the researchers hope to enhance patient outcomes and reduce recurrence rates.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research include patients diagnosed with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma, particularly those with HPV-negative tumors or those who have experienced treatment resistance.

Not a fit: Patients with other types of cancers or those whose head and neck cancer is not resistant to current therapies may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective treatments for patients with head and neck cancer, potentially improving survival rates and quality of life.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promise in overcoming treatment resistance in various cancers, suggesting that this approach could yield significant advancements in head and neck cancer treatment.

Where this research is happening

NEW HAVEN, UNITED STATES

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.

View on NIH RePORTER →

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.