NIH-funded research R01 grant

How mutations in the TP53 gene affect cancer spread and immune response in head and neck cancers

Official title: Functional roles of GOF TP53 mutations in metastasis and immunosuppression of head and neck cancers

Funded at University of Tx Md Anderson Can Ctr · NIH-11034107 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is looking at certain changes in a gene called TP53 that are often found in head and neck cancers to see how they affect how the cancer grows and avoids the immune system, with the hope of finding new treatments that could work better for patients like you.

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Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Tx Md Anderson Can Ctr
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Houston, United States)
Project startMay 3, 2022
Project endFebruary 28, 2027
Funding year2025
Award (this year)$556,146
NIH project number5R01DE030875-04
Project IDNIH-11034107 on NIH RePORTER

Who could benefit from this research

Could help

Ideal candidates for this research are patients diagnosed with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma who have TP53 mutations.

Less likely to help

Patients with head and neck cancers that do not involve TP53 mutations may not benefit from this research.

What this research studies

This research investigates the role of specific mutations in the TP53 gene that are commonly found in head and neck cancers. It aims to understand how these mutations contribute to cancer cell behavior, including their ability to spread and evade the immune system. By focusing on the mechanisms of these mutations, the research seeks to identify new treatment strategies that could target these processes. Patients may benefit from insights that could lead to more effective therapies tailored to their specific cancer mutations.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to the development of targeted therapies that improve treatment outcomes for patients with head and neck cancers.

How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in targeting mutations in cancer genes, suggesting that this approach could be effective.

Where this research is happening

  • University of Tx Md Anderson Can Ctr
    Houston, United States
    Active

Researchers

  • Principal investigator: Myers, Jeffrey Nicholas — University of Tx Md Anderson Can Ctr
  • Study coordinator: Myers, Jeffrey Nicholas

Related research

Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.

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.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 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.