New treatments for head and neck cancer in veterans
Official title: Novel Targets to Treat Head & Neck Cancer in Veterans
Funded at VA Medical Center · NIH-11218692 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a specific protein called TMEM16A affects the growth of a type of throat and mouth cancer in veterans, with the goal of finding new ways to stop early signs of cancer from becoming more serious.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | VA Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project start | October 1, 2021 |
| Project end | September 30, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| NIH project number | 7I01BX005340-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-11218692 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are veterans who have been diagnosed with or are at high risk for squamous cell carcinoma of the upper aerodigestive tract.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have a history of tobacco or alcohol exposure or those with other types of cancer unrelated to the upper aerodigestive tract may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding how a specific ion channel, TMEM16A, contributes to the development and progression of squamous cell carcinoma of the upper aerodigestive tract in veterans. By studying the mechanisms behind this cancer, the research aims to identify new therapeutic strategies that could prevent the transition from pre-cancerous conditions to invasive cancer. The approach includes analyzing tissue samples and conducting experiments to explore the role of TMEM16A in cancer cell growth and signaling pathways. This work is particularly relevant for veterans who have been exposed to carcinogens like tobacco and alcohol.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective treatments for head and neck cancer, potentially improving survival rates and quality of life for patients.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in targeting similar pathways in cancer treatment, suggesting that this approach could yield beneficial results.
Where this research is happening
-
VA Medical Center
New York, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Duvvuri, Umamaheswar — VA Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Duvvuri, Umamaheswar
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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.