New test for personalized treatment of head and neck cancer
Official title: Novel OrganoPET Assay for Precision Therapy of Head and Neck Cancer
Funded at Stanford University · NIH-10880693 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is working on better treatments for head and neck cancer by creating mini versions of tumors from patients, so doctors can see how different treatments might work best for each person's unique cancer.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Career grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Stanford University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Stanford, United States) |
| Project start | July 3, 2023 |
| Project end | June 30, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $162,324 |
| NIH project number | 5K99DE032094-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10880693 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients diagnosed with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma who are facing challenges with current treatment options.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with other types of cancers or those who do not have head and neck squamous cell carcinoma may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on improving treatment for head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCCs), which are known for their complexity and resistance to therapies. The project aims to develop a high-throughput platform to create patient-derived tumor organoids, allowing researchers to study how different genetic and epigenetic profiles affect responses to drugs and radiation. By correlating treatment responses with DNA methylation patterns, the research seeks to enhance precision in clinical decision-making for HNSCC patients. This innovative approach could lead to more effective, personalized therapies based on individual tumor characteristics.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective and personalized treatment options for patients with head and neck cancer.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using similar approaches to classify cancer subtypes and tailor treatments, indicating potential for success in this novel application.
Where this research is happening
-
Stanford University
Stanford, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Khan, Syamantak — Stanford University
- Study coordinator: Khan, Syamantak
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Combined Imaging and RNA Markers to Predict Head and Neck Cancer Recurrence
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-
Biomarker to guide treatment in head and neck cancer
A biomarker test using tumor samples is being developed to predict recurrence risk in oral cancers and help tailor treatment.
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Intensive dental care during cancer follow-up to protect teeth after head and neck radiation
A program delivered in oncology clinics to provide fluoride varnish and dental follow-up aims to reduce tooth decay and improve oral health and quality of life for head and neck cancer patients after radiation therapy.
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AI-powered radiotherapy planning for cervical and head-and-neck cancer
A computer program helps plan radiation therapy for cervical and head-and-neck cancer patients to make treatments faster and more accurate.
-
AI-powered radiotherapy planning for cervical and head-and-neck cancer
A United Kingdom study is testing AI software that helps plan radiotherapy for cervical and head-and-neck cancer patients to save time and reduce the workload for clinicians in low-resource settings.
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AI-powered radiotherapy planning for cervical and head-and-neck cancer
A UK research team is testing an AI-based software to automatically outline cancer areas and plan radiation beams to speed up treatment for cervical and head-and-neck cancers in LMICs.
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.