Identifying markers for better treatment of squamous cell carcinomas in veterans
Official title: BLRD Research Career Scientist Award Application
Funded at VA Northern California Health Care Sys · NIH-11106002 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking for better ways to help veterans with skin and mouth cancers by finding new treatments and understanding how these cancers grow, so they can receive improved care and outcomes.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | VA Northern California Health Care Sys NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Mather, United States) |
| Project start | April 1, 2022 |
| Project end | March 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| NIH project number | 5IK6BX006039-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-11106002 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are veterans diagnosed with squamous cell carcinomas, particularly those with high-risk forms of the disease.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not veterans or those with other types of cancers unrelated to squamous cell carcinomas may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on improving health outcomes for veterans by identifying prognostic markers and therapeutic interventions for squamous cell carcinomas (SCCs), particularly in the skin and oral cavity. Given the high exposure to UV radiation and tobacco carcinogens among veterans, the incidence of high-risk SCCs is significantly elevated compared to the civilian population. The research utilizes advanced genetic engineered mouse models to study SCC progression and test experimental therapies, including immunotherapy, which could lead to better clinical outcomes for patients. The ultimate goal is to translate these findings into improved diagnostic and treatment options for veterans suffering from SCCs.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective treatments and improved survival rates for veterans with squamous cell carcinomas.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in identifying biomarkers and therapeutic interventions for similar cancers, indicating that this approach could yield beneficial results.
Where this research is happening
-
VA Northern California Health Care Sys
Mather, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Wang, Xiao-Jing — VA Northern California Health Care Sys
- Study coordinator: Wang, Xiao-Jing
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.