Sex hormones and immune responses in head and neck cancer
Official title: Sexual dimorphism and the immuno-modulatory role of estrogen signaling in HNSCC
Funded at Washington University · NIH-11370341 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This grant studies how estrogen signaling and sex differences influence immune therapy responses in head and neck cancer to help tailor treatments for patients.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Washington University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Saint Louis, United States) |
| Project start | July 3, 2023 |
| Project end | June 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $628,371 |
| NIH project number | 5R01CA284651-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-11370341 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma, including both premenopausal and postmenopausal women and men, who may be eligible for immunotherapy consideration and related studies.
✕Less likely to help
Patients whose cancer biology does not involve estrogen signaling or who do not respond to immunotherapy may not experience benefit.
What this research studies
Head and neck cancer affects mostly men, and this project explores why premenopausal women may respond differently to immunotherapy. It looks at how the hormone estradiol changes the tumor environment and immune cells, which could explain improved therapy responses. The work combines analysis of clinical trial data with preclinical mouse models to understand the role of estrogen and immune regulation in the cancer. Findings could guide more effective, sex-specific treatment strategies for patients with HNSCC.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Better, sex-informed immunotherapy strategies for head and neck cancer patients could improve treatment responses and outcomes.
How similar studies have gone: Previous observations suggest sex hormones influence immune responses and therapy outcomes in cancer, supporting potential benefit from this line of research.
Where this research is happening
-
Washington University
Saint Louis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Karam, Sana D — Washington University
- Study coordinator: Karam, Sana D
Related research
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This grant aims to see if blocking SREBP2 can make radiation therapy work better for people with HPV-negative Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma.
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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.