How aging-related tissue stiffness helps head and neck cancers hide from the immune system
Defining immune-evasive mechanical signaling in head and neck cancer
['FUNDING_R01'] · BOSTON UNIVERSITY MEDICAL CAMPUS · NIH-11307078
This project looks at how age-related changes in mouth and throat tissues change cancer cell behavior and help people with head and neck cancer evade immune attack.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | BOSTON UNIVERSITY MEDICAL CAMPUS (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (BOSTON, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11307078 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
Researchers are studying head and neck squamous cell carcinomas that grow faster in older tissues by using tongue tumor models that mimic aged tissue. They measure changes in the tissue scaffold (extracellular matrix), tissue stiffness, and activity of mechanosensitive signals like YAP that change tumor cell behavior. The team will examine how these mechanical changes affect immune cell activity around tumors and test whether altering mechanics or blocking YAP-related signals can make tumors more visible to the immune system. Results may point to drug targets or strategies that improve treatment, especially for older patients.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma—especially older adults or those with oral/tongue tumors—would be the most relevant group for potential future clinical follow-up.
Not a fit: Patients without head and neck cancer or whose tumors are driven by unrelated factors may not directly benefit from these findings.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could reveal new targets or approaches to make head and neck tumors more responsive to therapy, particularly in older adults.
How similar studies have performed: Laboratory studies have previously linked tissue mechanics and YAP activity to tumor growth and immune effects, but translating these findings into patient treatments is still largely untested.
Where this research is happening
BOSTON, UNITED STATES
- BOSTON UNIVERSITY MEDICAL CAMPUS — BOSTON, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: VARELAS, XARALABOS — BOSTON UNIVERSITY MEDICAL CAMPUS
- Study coordinator: VARELAS, XARALABOS
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.