Improving treatment for head and neck cancer using immunotherapy and radiation
Official title: Optimizing immunoradiotherapy for HNSCC
Funded at University of California, San Diego · NIH-10933484 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how to make immunotherapy and radiation therapy work better together for patients with head and neck cancer who are HPV negative, by understanding how lymph nodes affect the immune response, so we can find ways to improve treatment results while reducing side effects.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California, San Diego NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (La Jolla, United States) |
| Project start | September 25, 2023 |
| Project end | August 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $632,764 |
| NIH project number | 5R01CA281285-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10933484 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients diagnosed with HPV negative head and neck squamous cell carcinoma who are seeking innovative treatment options.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with HPV positive head and neck cancer or those who have already received extensive treatment may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on enhancing the effectiveness of immunotherapy combined with radiation therapy for patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC), particularly those who are HPV negative. The study investigates how the immune response can be optimized by understanding the role of lymph nodes in the treatment process. By exploring the interactions between immune cells and tumor cells, the research aims to identify better treatment strategies that minimize side effects while improving patient outcomes. Patients may receive a combination of PD-1 inhibitors and targeted radiation therapy designed to spare lymphatic tissues.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective treatment options for patients with head and neck cancer, potentially improving survival rates and reducing treatment-related side effects.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in combining immunotherapy with radiation, but this specific approach focusing on lymphatic sparing is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California, San Diego
La Jolla, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Califano, Joseph a — University of California, San Diego
- Study coordinator: Califano, Joseph a
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Lymph node metastasis and immune tolerance in head and neck cancer
A study in people with head and neck cancer looks at how cancer spread to lymph nodes may shape the immune system and help tumors grow.
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Restoring responses to immunotherapy in metastatic lymph nodes in head and neck cancer
A clinical research project aims to improve how immunotherapy works when cancer has spread to lymph nodes in head and neck cancer patients.
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Data-driven classification of aggressive tissue traits to predict cancer outcomes in HPV-negative head and neck cancer
A clinician-science grant uses data science and AI to identify tissue patterns in HPV-negative head and neck cancer that may predict how long patients stay cancer-free.
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HNSCC, iron addiction, and potential iron-targeted therapies
This grant explores how head and neck cancer cells become dependent on iron and whether targeting iron pathways could lead to new treatments for patients with recurrent or metastatic disease.
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Targeting SREBP2 to boost radiation therapy in HPV-negative head and neck cancer
This grant aims to see if blocking SREBP2 can make radiation therapy work better for people with HPV-negative Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma.
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Axelopran added to pembrolizumab for frontline recurrent/metastatic head and neck cancer
A new treatment approach combines axelopran with pembrolizumab for people with PD-L1 positive recurrent/metastatic head and neck cancer to see if it improves response.
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.