Profiling immune cells in head and neck cancer using a new technique
FAST-FNA immune cell profiling in HNSCC
This study is testing a new way to quickly and accurately check immune cell markers in patients with head and neck cancer, which could help doctors find the best treatments for you and see how your body is responding to therapy.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Massachusetts General Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11012291 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research focuses on improving the assessment of immune cell markers in patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) using a novel technique called FAST-FNA. By utilizing fine needle aspiration (FNA) to collect cellular samples, the study aims to provide quicker and more accurate profiling of the tumor microenvironment compared to traditional tissue biopsies. The research will validate new biomarkers that predict responses to anti-PD-1 immunotherapy and will monitor changes in these biomarkers during treatment. This approach could lead to more personalized and effective treatment strategies for patients with HNSCC.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are patients diagnosed with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma who are eligible for anti-PD-1 immunotherapy.
Not a fit: Patients with head and neck cancers that are not squamous cell carcinoma or those not eligible for immunotherapy may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more accurate and timely assessments of treatment responses in patients with head and neck cancer, ultimately improving their outcomes.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promise in using similar rapid assessment techniques for biomarker discovery, indicating potential success for this novel approach.
Where this research is happening
Boston, United States
- Massachusetts General Hospital — Boston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Weissleder, Md, Phd, Ralph — Massachusetts General Hospital
- Study coordinator: Weissleder, Md, Phd, Ralph
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.