Investigating how radiation therapy combined with specific drugs can enhance immune responses against tumors.
Official title: Systemic/Abscopal Anti-Tumor Immune Responses during IAP Antagonism and Radiation
Funded at Emory University · NIH-11120595 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how radiation therapy can help your immune system fight not just the cancer in your head and neck, but also tumors in other areas of your body, and it’s testing a combination of treatments to see if they can make this immune response even stronger.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Emory University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Atlanta, United States) |
| Project start | April 1, 2025 |
| Project end | March 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $234,750 |
| NIH project number | 1R21DE034956-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11120595 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with locally advanced head and neck cancer who are undergoing radiation therapy.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with early-stage head and neck cancer or those who are not receiving radiation therapy may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on the effects of radiation therapy on locally advanced head and neck cancer, particularly how it can stimulate the immune system to attack tumors outside the treated area, known as the abscopal effect. The study explores the combination of radiation with IAP antagonists and anti-PD-1 therapies to enhance the immune response against cancer. By analyzing patient samples, the research aims to understand how these treatments can improve tumor control and activate T-cells, which are crucial for fighting cancer. Patients may be involved in trials to assess the effectiveness of these combined therapies.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective treatments for head and neck cancer, potentially improving survival rates and quality of life for patients.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results with similar approaches, indicating potential for significant advancements in cancer treatment.
Where this research is happening
-
Emory University
Atlanta, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Schmitt, Nicole Cherie — Emory University
- Study coordinator: Schmitt, Nicole Cherie
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.