Identifying biomarkers for oral lesions that may lead to cancer
Official title: Immune and transcriptomic biomarkers of progressive oral premalignant lesions
Funded at University of California, San Francisco · NIH-11143565 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how to spot early signs of oral cancer in people with certain mouth conditions, especially leukoplakia, by finding specific markers in their immune system and genes that can help predict which conditions might turn into cancer, so that patients can get the right treatment sooner.
Quick facts
| Grant type | U01 cooperative agreement |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California, San Francisco NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (San Francisco, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2024 |
| Project end | August 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $721,826 |
| NIH project number | 7U01DE033351-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11143565 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with oral potentially malignant disorders, particularly those presenting with leukoplakia.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without any oral lesions or those with confirmed OSCC may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the early detection of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) by focusing on oral potentially malignant disorders (OPMDs), particularly leukoplakia. It aims to identify specific immune and transcriptomic biomarkers that can predict which OPMDs are likely to progress to OSCC. By utilizing advanced techniques like spatial transcriptomics and multiplex immune fluorescence, the study seeks to improve the accuracy of identifying high-risk lesions, ultimately enhancing patient outcomes through earlier intervention.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved early detection of oral cancer, significantly enhancing survival rates for patients.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in identifying biomarkers for cancer progression, suggesting that this approach could yield significant insights.
Where this research is happening
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University of California, San Francisco
San Francisco, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Momen Heravi, Fatemeh — University of California, San Francisco
- Study coordinator: Momen Heravi, Fatemeh
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.