NIH-funded research Fellowship grant

Investigating how serine metabolism affects oral cancer development

Official title: The role of serine metabolism on the evolution of oral squamous cell carcinoma

Funded at Boston University Medical Campus · NIH-10929416 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is looking at how changes in a substance called serine might affect the behavior of oral squamous cell carcinoma, a tough-to-treat type of cancer, to help find better ways to manage and treat it for patients like you.

Quick facts

Grant typeFellowship grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionBoston University Medical Campus
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Boston, United States)
Project startSeptember 12, 2023
Project endAugust 31, 2025
Funding year2024
Award (this year)$49,774
NIH project number5F31DE032892-02
Project IDNIH-10929416 on NIH RePORTER

Who could benefit from this research

Could help

Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with oral squamous cell carcinoma, particularly those with advanced or treatment-resistant disease.

Less likely to help

Patients with other types of cancers or those without oral squamous cell carcinoma may not receive direct benefits from this research.

What this research studies

This research explores the role of serine metabolism in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC), a type of cancer that is difficult to treat and often leads to poor outcomes. The study examines how changes in serine levels can influence cancer cell behavior, particularly in terms of growth and differentiation. By analyzing the effects of serine starvation on cancer cells, researchers aim to understand the underlying mechanisms that contribute to the aggressiveness of OSCC and identify potential new therapeutic targets. Patients may benefit from insights gained into how to better treat or manage this challenging cancer.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective treatment options for patients with oral squamous cell carcinoma.

How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in targeting metabolic pathways in cancer treatment, suggesting that this approach may yield beneficial outcomes.

Where this research is happening

  • Boston University Medical Campus
    Boston, United States
    Active

Researchers

  • Principal investigator: Jankowski, Stacy — Boston University Medical Campus
  • Study coordinator: Jankowski, Stacy

Related research

Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.

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.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 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.