New ways to treat head and neck cancer in veterans
Official title: Novel Targets to Treat Head & Neck Cancer in Veterans
Funded at Veterans Health Administration · NIH-10948102 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a certain protein called TMEM16A affects the growth of a type of cancer in veterans, with the hope of finding better treatments for both early and advanced stages of the disease.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Veterans Health Administration NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Pittsburgh, United States) |
| Project start | October 1, 2021 |
| Project end | September 30, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| NIH project number | 7I01BX005340-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-10948102 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are veterans diagnosed with squamous cell carcinoma of the upper aerodigestive tract or those with pre-cancerous conditions.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have a history of tobacco or alcohol exposure 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 growth of squamous cell carcinoma of the upper aerodigestive tract in veterans. By studying the mechanisms behind this cancer, the research aims to identify effective treatment strategies for both pre-cancerous and malignant conditions. The approach includes laboratory experiments to explore the interactions of TMEM16A with other proteins involved in cancer progression. The ultimate goal is to improve treatment outcomes for veterans suffering from this aggressive form of cancer.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatment options that significantly improve survival rates for veterans with head and neck cancer.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in targeting similar biological pathways in cancer treatment, suggesting potential for success in this novel approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Veterans Health Administration
Pittsburgh, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Duvvuri, Umamaheswar — Veterans Health Administration
- Study coordinator: Duvvuri, Umamaheswar
Related research
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New treatment targets for head and neck cancer in Veterans
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New treatments for head and neck cancer in veterans
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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.