Improving cancer treatment for oral squamous cell carcinoma
Official title: Inhibiting mitochondrial complex I to improve cetuximab efficacy in oral cancer
Funded at Emory University · NIH-11042236 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how blocking a certain part of the cell's energy factory can make the cancer treatment cetuximab work better for people with advanced oral squamous cell carcinoma, with the hope of improving their response to the treatment.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Emory University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Atlanta, United States) |
| Project start | March 1, 2024 |
| Project end | January 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $378,951 |
| NIH project number | 5R01DE033691-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11042236 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients diagnosed with advanced oral squamous cell carcinoma who are currently receiving or considering cetuximab treatment.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with early-stage oral cancer or those who are not candidates for cetuximab therapy may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how inhibiting a specific mitochondrial complex can enhance the effectiveness of cetuximab, a treatment for oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). The study utilizes advanced techniques like CRISPR/Cas9 to identify pathways that reduce the efficacy of cetuximab in cancer cells. By redirecting certain cellular signals, the researchers aim to improve the immune response against tumors when cetuximab is used in combination with a mitochondrial inhibitor. This approach could lead to better treatment outcomes for patients with advanced OSCC.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective treatment options for patients with oral cancer, potentially improving survival rates and reducing recurrence.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results with similar approaches in enhancing cancer treatment efficacy, indicating potential for success in this novel application.
Where this research is happening
-
Emory University
Atlanta, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Teng, Yong — Emory University
- Study coordinator: Teng, Yong
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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.