Microbubble-boosted immunotherapy for head and neck cancer
Official title: Microbubble augmentation of immunotherapy in head and neck cancer
Funded at Thomas Jefferson University · NIH-11361814 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A small NIH-funded project will test whether injecting tiny bubbles into the bloodstream and using ultrasound can boost immunotherapy in people with head and neck cancer.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Thomas Jefferson University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Philadelphia, United States) |
| Project start | June 4, 2026 |
| Project end | May 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $401,115 |
| NIH project number | 1R21CA303372-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11361814 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma who are candidates for neoadjuvant immunotherapy and subsequent surgery.
✕Less likely to help
Patients whose tumors do not respond to immunotherapy or who cannot undergo the proposed ultrasound/microbubble procedures may not benefit.
What this research studies
This study explores adding microbubble-assisted ultrasound to existing immunotherapy for head and neck cancer to improve treatment response. Researchers will use contrast-enhanced ultrasound and targeted ultrasound pulses to create microbubble effects that may enhance drug delivery and tumor permeability. The project builds on prior work showing safety and potential benefits of microbubble cavitation in other cancers. Participation would involve imaging and treatment procedures during the cancer therapy timeline.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could improve how well immunotherapy works for head and neck cancer and potentially lead to better outcomes.
How similar studies have gone: Preclinical and early clinical data suggest microbubble cavitation can augment therapy in other cancers, with ongoing exploration in humans.
Where this research is happening
-
Thomas Jefferson University
Philadelphia, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Eisenbrey, John — Thomas Jefferson University
- Study coordinator: Eisenbrey, John
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Senescent T cells and immunotherapy resistance in head and neck cancer
Aims to understand why certain immune cells weaken and limit immunotherapy effectiveness in head and neck cancer, with the goal of helping patients respond better.
-
Autologous organoids and humanized mice to test head and neck cancer immunotherapy
A patient-facing overview of a research project that uses patient-derived cells to create thymic-educated immune systems and test cancer immunotherapies.
-
Biological and social factors shaping psychosocial outcomes in advanced head and neck cancer patients on immunotherapy
This grant studies how biology and social factors influence mental and emotional well-being in people with advanced head and neck cancer who are receiving immunotherapy.
-
Overcoming immunotherapy resistance in head and neck cancer through opioid-blocking strategies
This research looks at whether blocking opioids can help people with head and neck cancer respond better to immunotherapy and reduce pain-related issues.
-
Understanding emotional and social challenges for people with advanced head and neck cancer on immunotherapy
This project aims to understand the emotional and social challenges faced by patients with advanced head and neck cancer who are receiving immunotherapy.
-
Improving cancer treatment by blocking opioid effects in head and neck cancer patients
This study is looking at how pain medications called opioids might affect the success of immunotherapy treatments for people with head and neck cancer, and it aims to find ways to improve cancer treatment while still helping manage pain.
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.