How a cell stress pathway and nerve changes cause cisplatin resistance and spread in head and neck cancer
Defining the role of KEAP/NRF2 signaling dysregulation and sensory nerve reprograming during acquisition of cisplatin resistance and metastasis in HNSCC
['FUNDING_OTHER'] · UNIVERSITY OF TX MD ANDERSON CAN CTR · NIH-11182531
Scientists are targeting the NRF2 stress pathway and tumor-associated nerve changes to try to overcome cisplatin resistance in people with head and neck cancer.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_OTHER'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIVERSITY OF TX MD ANDERSON CAN CTR (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (HOUSTON, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11182531 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
I learned that tumors of the head and neck often become resistant to cisplatin, so the team made lab models from different tumor lines to copy that problem. They discovered many resistant cells turn on the NRF2 pathway because of KEAP1 changes and are testing a drug that blocks glutaminase 1 to lower glutathione and reverse resistance. At the same time they study how sensory nerves around tumors are reprogrammed and may help cancer spread. The work uses genomic tools like CRISPR libraries and cell and nerve models to point toward therapies that could make chemotherapy work again.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma, particularly those who have relapsed or whose tumors no longer respond to cisplatin, are the most relevant candidates.
Not a fit: Patients without head and neck cancer, those cured with first-line therapy who never develop resistance, or tumors that lack NRF2/KEAP1-related changes may not benefit from these findings.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could restore cisplatin sensitivity and reduce metastasis, making chemotherapy more effective for people with head and neck cancer.
How similar studies have performed: Preclinical studies targeting NRF2-related metabolism and using glutaminase inhibitors have shown promise in reversing resistance, but clinical proof in patients remains limited.
Where this research is happening
HOUSTON, UNITED STATES
- UNIVERSITY OF TX MD ANDERSON CAN CTR — HOUSTON, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: OSMAN, ABDULLAH ALI — UNIVERSITY OF TX MD ANDERSON CAN CTR
- Study coordinator: OSMAN, ABDULLAH ALI
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.
Conditions: Cancers