Reducing bacteria inside oral cancer tumors to boost immune response
Official title: Reducing Intratumoral Bacteria to Enhance Anti-Tumor Immunity in Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Funded at Cleveland Clinic Lerner Com-Cwru · NIH-11439220 · Data updated 2026-11-12
In people with head and neck cancer, this study tests whether lowering bacteria in tumors can help the immune system fight the cancer better.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R37 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Cleveland Clinic Lerner Com-Cwru NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Cleveland, United States) |
| Project start | June 22, 2026 |
| Project end | May 31, 2031 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $640,775 |
| NIH project number | 1R37CA317177-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11439220 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma who are candidates for immunotherapy and are able to participate in presurgical interventions.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without access to antibiotics or immunotherapy or those not undergoing surgical planning may not benefit.
What this research studies
This project will look at how bacteria living inside oral tumor tissue shape the surrounding immune environment and affect treatment. Researchers will use mouse cancer models and data from patients to study how reducing intratumoral bacteria changes immune cell behavior. They plan a presurgical trial to see if antibiotics can remodel the tumor’s immune landscape and improve responses to immunotherapy. The work combines lab studies with a small patient-oriented trial to translate findings into potential new treatment approaches.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the approach could make immunotherapies more effective for patients with oral cancer by remodeling the tumor's immune environment.
How similar studies have gone: Preclinical and patient data have suggested bacteria influence tumor immunity, but human trials are still exploratory.
Where this research is happening
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Cleveland Clinic Lerner Com-Cwru
Cleveland, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Silver, Natalie Lea — Cleveland Clinic Lerner Com-Cwru
- Study coordinator: Silver, Natalie Lea
Related research
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New vulnerability in oral cancer linked to p53 loss
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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.