Finding better treatments for head and neck cancer

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

NIH-funded research Yale University · NIH-11082652

This study at Yale is looking for better ways to treat head and neck cancer, especially for patients whose tumors don't respond well to current therapies, so they can find new options that work better for everyone.

Quick facts

Grant typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionYale University NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (New Haven, United States)
Project IDNIH-11082652 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research focuses on improving treatments for head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC), a common and often deadly cancer. The team at Yale is investigating why some patients do not respond to existing therapies, including targeted treatments and immunotherapy. They aim to develop new strategies to overcome resistance to these therapies, particularly for HPV-negative tumors, which are more challenging to treat. The research involves a combination of laboratory studies and clinical trials to test innovative treatment approaches.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are patients diagnosed with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma, particularly those with HPV-negative tumors or those who have not responded well to standard treatments.

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 treatment options 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 other cancers, suggesting that this approach could be effective for head and neck cancer as well.

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.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 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.