Overcoming immunotherapy resistance in head and neck cancer through opioid-blocking strategies

Who could benefit from this research

What this research studies

People with advanced head and neck cancer often have pain and limited response to current immunotherapies. The project examines how opioid signals in the tumor environment affect immune cells and treatment outcomes, using patient data and preclinical models to explore whether opioid antagonists could boost immunotherapy effectiveness. If successful, the work could lead to new approaches that improve survival and quality of life for patients who rely on pain medications during treatment. The study integrates clinical observations in patients and mouse model experiments to understand mechanisms and potential therapy combos.

Why it matters

Where this research is happening

• University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
  Pittsburgh, United States Active

Researchers

• Principal investigator: Scheff, Nicole N — University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
• Study coordinator: Scheff, Nicole N

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.

  NIH research Washington University · Saint Louis, United States · NIH-11447585

• 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.

  NIH research University of Colorado Denver · Aurora, UNITED STATES · NIH-11446043

• 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.

  NIH research Emory University · Atlanta, United States · NIH-11362490

• Microbubble-boosted immunotherapy for head and neck cancer

  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.

  NIH research Thomas Jefferson University · Philadelphia, United States · NIH-11361814

• 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.

  NIH research Emory University · Atlanta, United States · NIH-11177880

• 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.

  NIH research University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh · Pittsburgh, United States · NIH-11126894

About this research

1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.