Predicting head and neck cancer treatment response with patient-made tumor models and single-cell profiling
Project 2: Predicting Treatment Responses Using Single Cell RNA Sequencing and Bioengineered Patient-derived Organotypic Models of HNC
['FUNDING_OTHER'] · UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN-MADISON · NIH-11172641
This project uses a patient's own tumor cells and single-cell tests to find markers that could show which treatments are likely to work for people with head and neck cancer.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_OTHER'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN-MADISON (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (MADISON, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11172641 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
Researchers will take tumor samples and blood from patients with head and neck cancer and profile individual cells using single-cell RNA and protein measurements. They will build tiny, lab-grown tumor models made from each patient's own cells to mimic the tumor environment. The team will also analyze tumor tissue arrays and circulating tumor cells to look for patterns linked to treatment effects. These combined patient-specific data are then used in a pilot test to see if the lab-grown models can help guide treatment choices.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal participants are people diagnosed with head and neck cancer who can provide tumor tissue and blood samples for molecular profiling and model-building.
Not a fit: Patients without available tumor tissue or who cannot undergo the sample collection procedures may not be eligible and would not directly benefit from this project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could help personalize treatment by identifying which therapies are most likely to work for individual head and neck cancer patients.
How similar studies have performed: Similar single-cell profiling and patient-derived model approaches have shown promise in research settings, but using them together to guide head and neck cancer care is still emerging.
Where this research is happening
MADISON, UNITED STATES
- UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN-MADISON — MADISON, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: BEEBE, DAVID J — UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN-MADISON
- Study coordinator: BEEBE, DAVID J
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 below.