Small-molecule STAT3 blocker for head and neck cancer and its tumor environment
Targeting head and neck cancer cells and the adverse tumor microenvironment with a novel small-molecule STAT3 inhibitor
This project tries a new drug that blocks STAT3 to help people with recurrent or advanced head and neck cancer respond better to immunotherapy and slow tumor growth.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Tx Md Anderson Can Ctr NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Houston, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11182477 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
If you have recurrent or metastatic head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC), researchers are developing a small-molecule drug that blocks the STAT3 protein, which is often active in these tumors. The team will study the drug's effects on cancer cells and the tumor immune environment using patient tumor samples and preclinical models to see whether it reduces immunosuppressive cells like MDSCs. They plan to test combinations with anti–PD-1 immunotherapy to try to increase durable responses while monitoring for toxicity. The project is being done in collaboration with a clinical-stage biotechnology company with the aim of informing future patient trials.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates would be adults with recurrent or metastatic head and neck squamous cell carcinoma, particularly those whose tumors show high STAT3 activity and who have not had durable responses to standard therapies.
Not a fit: People with early-stage disease already cured by surgery/radiation, tumors that do not rely on STAT3 signaling, or cancers outside of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma are less likely to benefit.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could help more people with recurrent or metastatic HNSCC respond to immunotherapy and control tumor growth with a potentially safer STAT3-targeting option.
How similar studies have performed: Previous STAT3-targeting work such as the antisense drug danvatirsen improved some immunotherapy responses but caused serious toxicities, so this small-molecule strategy is a novel and less-tested alternative.
Where this research is happening
Houston, United States
- University of Tx Md Anderson Can Ctr — Houston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Tweardy, David John — University of Tx Md Anderson Can Ctr
- Study coordinator: Tweardy, David John
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.