How estrogen affects immune responses in head and neck cancer
Official title: Sexual dimorphism and the immuno-modulatory role of estrogen signaling in HNSCC
Funded at Washington University · NIH-11250398 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how estrogen affects the immune system's response to treatment in patients with head and neck cancer, especially focusing on why premenopausal women seem to do better with immunotherapy, with the goal of finding new ways to improve treatment for everyone.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Washington University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Saint Louis, United States) |
| Project start | July 3, 2023 |
| Project end | June 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $488,632 |
| NIH project number | 7R01CA284651-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11250398 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include premenopausal women diagnosed with head and neck cancer who are undergoing or considering immunotherapy.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are postmenopausal or male may not receive direct benefits from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of estrogen signaling in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC), particularly focusing on how it influences the immune response to treatment. It examines the differences in treatment responses between male and female patients, especially premenopausal women, who appear to respond better to immunotherapy. The study utilizes clinical trial data and preclinical models to explore how estrogen impacts immune cell behavior and the tumor microenvironment, aiming to uncover mechanisms that could improve treatment outcomes for patients. By understanding these dynamics, the research seeks to identify potential therapeutic strategies that leverage estrogen's immuno-modulatory effects.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved immunotherapy strategies for patients with head and neck cancer, particularly benefiting premenopausal women.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has indicated that hormonal influences can significantly affect cancer treatment responses, suggesting that this approach may yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Washington University
Saint Louis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Karam, Sana D — Washington University
- Study coordinator: Karam, Sana D
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Lymph node metastasis and immune tolerance in head and neck cancer
A study in people with head and neck cancer looks at how cancer spread to lymph nodes may shape the immune system and help tumors grow.
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Restoring responses to immunotherapy in metastatic lymph nodes in head and neck cancer
A clinical research project aims to improve how immunotherapy works when cancer has spread to lymph nodes in head and neck cancer patients.
-
Data-driven classification of aggressive tissue traits to predict cancer outcomes in HPV-negative head and neck cancer
A clinician-science grant uses data science and AI to identify tissue patterns in HPV-negative head and neck cancer that may predict how long patients stay cancer-free.
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HNSCC, iron addiction, and potential iron-targeted therapies
This grant explores how head and neck cancer cells become dependent on iron and whether targeting iron pathways could lead to new treatments for patients with recurrent or metastatic disease.
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Targeting SREBP2 to boost radiation therapy in HPV-negative head and neck cancer
This grant aims to see if blocking SREBP2 can make radiation therapy work better for people with HPV-negative Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma.
-
Axelopran added to pembrolizumab for frontline recurrent/metastatic head and neck cancer
A new treatment approach combines axelopran with pembrolizumab for people with PD-L1 positive recurrent/metastatic head and neck cancer to see if it improves response.
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.