Measuring tobacco- and alcohol-related DNA damage in mouth cells linked to head and neck cancer
High resolution mass spectrometric profile analysis of carcinogen-DNA adducts in oral cells of cigarette smokers and squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck
This project measures specific DNA damages in mouth cells from adults who smoke or drink to look for patterns tied to head and neck cancer risk.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Minnesota NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Minneapolis, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11159507 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers will collect oral cell and tissue samples from groups including non-smokers, current cigarette smokers, and people with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. They will develop a very sensitive lab test using liquid chromatography–nanoelectrospray high-resolution tandem mass spectrometry to detect and quantify 12 specific DNA adducts caused by tobacco and alcoholic beverages. The team will compare adduct patterns and levels across the groups to identify markers associated with smoking- and alcohol-related DNA damage. Findings aim to improve understanding of how these exposures contribute to cancer in mouth and throat tissues.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults who currently smoke cigarettes, regularly consume alcoholic beverages, or who have been diagnosed with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma and can provide oral cell or tissue samples would be the ideal participants.
Not a fit: Minors under 21, people whose cancer is solely HPV-driven without tobacco or alcohol exposure, or those unwilling to provide oral samples may not receive direct benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could identify measurable DNA damage markers in mouth cells that help flag people at higher risk for head and neck cancer or guide prevention efforts.
How similar studies have performed: Earlier work by these investigators found DNA adduct levels more than 20 times higher in smokers, and while mass-spectrometry detection of adducts has precedent, this comprehensive 12-adduct high-resolution profiling is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
Minneapolis, United States
- University of Minnesota — Minneapolis, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Hecht, Stephen S — University of Minnesota
- Study coordinator: Hecht, Stephen S
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 below.