Investigating how diet and drugs can affect cancer development in the mouth
Official title: Pharmacological and dietary inhibition of a novel metabolic-epigenetic crosstalk in head and neck cancer
Funded at University of Southern California · NIH-11044055 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a certain type of cancer in the mouth develops from a condition called leukoplakia, and it aims to find new ways to stop or slow down the cancer using lab-grown tissue models, which could help patients with better treatment options.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Southern California NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Los Angeles, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | March 1, 2024 |
| Project end | January 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $497,650 |
| NIH project number | 5R01DE033648-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11044055 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals with leukoplakia or those at high risk for developing head and neck cancer.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with advanced head and neck cancer who are already undergoing treatment may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding the progression of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC), a serious type of cancer that starts in the mouth's lining. It explores how a specific metabolic pathway and epigenetic changes contribute to the development of this cancer from a premalignant condition called leukoplakia. By using advanced organoid models that mimic human tissue, the researchers aim to identify potential therapeutic targets that could inhibit cancer growth. Patients may benefit from insights gained about dietary and pharmacological interventions that could prevent or slow down cancer progression.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new dietary and pharmacological strategies to prevent or treat head and neck cancer.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in targeting metabolic pathways in cancer treatment, suggesting that this approach could be effective.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Southern California
Los Angeles, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Lin, de-Chen — University of Southern California
- Study coordinator: Lin, de-Chen
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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.