Lymph node metastasis and immune tolerance in head and neck cancer
Official title: Uncovering the effects of lymph node metastasis on immune tolerance in HNSCC
Funded at Stanford University · NIH-11614785 · Data updated 2026-11-12
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.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Stanford University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Stanford, United States) |
| Project start | September 18, 2026 |
| Project end | September 17, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $482,902 |
| NIH project number | 1R56DE035533-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11614785 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Patients with head and neck cancer, especially those with lymph node involvement, who consent to participate and provide tissue or blood samples.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without lymph node metastasis or those unwilling to participate may not benefit directly.
What this research studies
This project focuses on understanding how cancer in the head and neck area travels to lymph nodes and alters immune responses. By studying patients and samples, researchers aim to uncover how tumor-specific immune tolerance develops and how regulatory T cells in lymph nodes contribute to metastasis. The work may involve analyzing immune cell behavior in lymph nodes and surrounding tissues to identify potential targets for therapy. The findings could inform strategies to boost anti-tumor immunity and prevent distant spread.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new approaches to prevent or treat metastatic spread by modifying immune tolerance in lymph nodes.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown links between tumor spread to lymph nodes and immune changes, but this project seeks to clarify the mechanisms and translational potential.
Where this research is happening
-
Stanford University
Stanford, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Reticker-Flynn, Nathan Edward — Stanford University
- Study coordinator: Reticker-Flynn, Nathan Edward
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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.