Removing exosomes to enhance immune therapy effectiveness in head and neck cancer
Depleting exosomes to improve responses to immune therapy in HNSCC
['FUNDING_U01'] · UNIVERSITY OF PITTSBURGH AT PITTSBURGH · NIH-10867518
This study is looking at whether removing tiny particles in the blood called exosomes can help boost the effectiveness of immune therapies for people with head and neck cancer, making it easier for their bodies to fight the cancer.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_U01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIVERSITY OF PITTSBURGH AT PITTSBURGH (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (PITTSBURGH, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-10867518 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
This research investigates how depleting exosomes from the bloodstream can improve the effectiveness of immune therapies for patients with head and neck squamous cell cancer (HNSCC). Exosomes are small particles that can suppress the immune response, making it harder for treatments like immune checkpoint inhibitors to work. By targeting and removing these exosomes, the study aims to enhance the body's immune response against cancer cells, potentially leading to better treatment outcomes. Patients will be monitored for changes in immune function and tumor response as part of this innovative approach.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are patients diagnosed with recurrent or metastatic head and neck squamous cell cancer who are undergoing immune therapy.
Not a fit: Patients with early-stage head and neck cancer or those not receiving immune therapy may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved responses to immune therapies for patients with HNSCC, potentially increasing survival rates and quality of life.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown that targeting exosomes can enhance immune responses in cancer, suggesting a promising avenue for improving treatment outcomes.
Where this research is happening
PITTSBURGH, UNITED STATES
- UNIVERSITY OF PITTSBURGH AT PITTSBURGH — PITTSBURGH, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: WHITESIDE, THERESA L. — UNIVERSITY OF PITTSBURGH AT PITTSBURGH
- Study coordinator: WHITESIDE, THERESA L.
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.
Conditions: Cancer Genes, Cancer Induction, Cancer Patient, Cancer-Promoting Gene, Cancers