Improving antibody therapy for oral cancer by targeting immune suppression
Precise Modulation of Immunometabolism to Boost Antibody Therapy in Oral Cancer
This study is looking at ways to make the antibody treatment cetuximab work better for people with oral cancer by using a special method to lower a substance in the tumors that can weaken the immune system, which could help your body fight the cancer more effectively.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Wake Forest University Health Sciences NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Winston-Salem, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10643886 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates how to enhance the effectiveness of the antibody therapy cetuximab for patients with oral cancer. It focuses on overcoming the immunosuppressive effects caused by elevated levels of adenosine in the tumor microenvironment, which can hinder the body's immune response. By using a targeted delivery method for the enzyme adenosine deaminase (ADA) directly into oral tumors, the study aims to reduce adenosine levels specifically in the tumor area, thereby improving the immune response to the therapy. The approach has shown promising results in preliminary studies using mouse models, indicating potential for better treatment outcomes.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are patients diagnosed with oral cancer who are receiving or are eligible for cetuximab therapy.
Not a fit: Patients with non-cancerous conditions or those not receiving cetuximab therapy may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly improve the effectiveness of antibody therapies for patients with oral cancer.
How similar studies have performed: Similar research approaches targeting immune suppression in tumors have shown promise, suggesting potential for success in this novel application.
Where this research is happening
Winston-Salem, United States
- Wake Forest University Health Sciences — Winston-Salem, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Ming, Xin — Wake Forest University Health Sciences
- Study coordinator: Ming, Xin
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 below.