PLK1 blocker plus HER-targeted therapy to tackle resistance in head and neck cancer

Who could benefit from this research

What this research studies

This project tests whether adding a PLK1 inhibitor to a pan-HER targeted therapy can prevent cancer cells from adapting and becoming resistant in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. Researchers will build on prior lab findings showing strong synergy between the PLK1 inhibitor onvansertib and the HER inhibitor dacomitinib in cell and animal models. The work will involve preclinical experiments using human cancer cells and xenograft models to understand how the combination affects tumor growth and survival pathways. Results could inform future clinical strategies for patients with HPV+ or HPV- HNSCC who no longer respond to standard HER-targeted treatments.

Why it matters

Where this research is happening

• Yale University
  New Haven, United States Active

Researchers

• Principal investigator: Burtness, Barbara — Yale University
• Study coordinator: Burtness, Barbara

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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.