How tobacco exposure affects immune responses in head and neck cancer
Official title: Activation of immunosupressive oxidative stress response pathways by tobacco exposure in head and neck cancer
Funded at Michael E Debakey VA Medical Center · NIH-11063150 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how smoking affects the immune system in people with head and neck cancer, and it hopes to find new ways to improve treatments by understanding how tobacco changes tumors over time.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Michael E Debakey VA Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Houston, United States) |
| Project start | April 1, 2024 |
| Project end | March 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| NIH project number | 5I01BX006380-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11063150 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with head and neck cancer who have a history of tobacco use.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with head and neck cancer who do not use tobacco or have never been exposed to tobacco may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the impact of tobacco exposure on the immune environment in patients with head and neck cancer. It aims to understand how genetic and metabolic factors from tumors, particularly those influenced by tobacco, affect the effectiveness of immune checkpoint inhibitors. By analyzing the Nrf2 pathway, which plays a crucial role in cancer biology and immune evasion, the study seeks to uncover new therapeutic strategies that could enhance treatment outcomes. Patients may be monitored for changes in their tumor biology in response to tobacco exposure over time.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatment strategies for head and neck cancer patients, particularly those who smoke.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that targeting specific biological pathways can enhance the effectiveness of cancer treatments, suggesting that this approach may yield promising results.
Where this research is happening
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Michael E Debakey VA Medical Center
Houston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Sandulache, Vlad C — Michael E Debakey VA Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Sandulache, Vlad C
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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.