Improving immune treatments for oral cancer using chemokines

Reprogramming the Tumor Immune Microenvironment with Chemokines to Potentiate Immune Oncology Treatments in Oral Cancer

NIH-funded research University of California, San Diego · NIH-11042201

This study is looking at ways to make cancer treatments work better for people with HPV-negative head and neck cancer by using special signals to help the immune system find and fight the cancer more effectively.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of California, San Diego NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (La Jolla, United States)
Project IDNIH-11042201 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research focuses on enhancing the effectiveness of immune oncology treatments for patients with HPV-negative head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). It aims to reprogram the tumor immune microenvironment by using chemokines to attract and activate immune cells that can fight the cancer. The approach involves testing new methods in mouse models that closely resemble human disease, with the goal of improving patient responses to existing immunotherapies. By addressing the immune suppression present in tumors, the research seeks to increase the number of patients who benefit from these treatments.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are patients with HPV-negative head and neck squamous cell carcinoma who have not responded well to current treatments.

Not a fit: Patients with HPV-positive head and neck cancers may not receive benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly improve treatment outcomes for patients with advanced oral cancer.

How similar studies have performed: Other research has shown promise in using chemokines to enhance immune responses in various cancers, indicating potential for success in this approach.

Where this research is happening

La Jolla, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Conditions advanced disease
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.