Investigating how aging affects oral cancer development
Official title: Defining age-associated alterations in oral squamous cell carcinoma
Funded at Boston University Medical Campus · NIH-11042710 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how changes in the mouth as we age might affect the growth of head and neck cancer, with the hope of finding better treatment options for older patients.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Boston University Medical Campus NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | April 1, 2023 |
| Project end | March 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $53,974 |
| NIH project number | 5F30AG077929-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11042710 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are older adults, particularly those aged 65 and above, who are diagnosed with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma.
✕Less likely to help
Patients under the age of 65 or those with other types of cancers unrelated to head and neck squamous cell carcinoma may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding how age-related changes in oral tissues influence the progression of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). By studying tumor growth in older animal models, the researchers aim to identify molecular changes that occur in aged tissues, which may contribute to the cancer's aggressive behavior. The study utilizes advanced models to simulate the oral environment in older patients, allowing for a better understanding of how age impacts treatment outcomes. The ultimate goal is to uncover new therapeutic targets that could improve treatment options for older patients with HNSCC.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective treatments for older patients suffering from oral cancer.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown that age-related factors significantly influence cancer progression, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Boston University Medical Campus
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Spinella, Anthony — Boston University Medical Campus
- Study coordinator: Spinella, Anthony
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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.