Stromal cells and head-and-neck cancer: uncovering how supporting cells drive tumor growth
Official title: Stromal Effects in Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Funded at University of Pennsylvania · NIH-11332553 · Data updated 2026-11-12
Aims to understand how special stromal cells in head and neck cancer interact with tumor cells to influence progression, using advanced 3D models and single-cell data to inform future therapies.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pennsylvania NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Philadelphia, United States) |
| Project start | June 5, 2024 |
| Project end | May 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $371,719 |
| NIH project number | 5R01CA288366-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11332553 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma may benefit from future therapies arising from this research.
✕Less likely to help
People without head and neck cancer or those not involved in future trials may not directly benefit.
What this research studies
This project studies head and neck squamous cell carcinoma by focusing on a particular stromal cell population (Gli1+) and how it supports tumor growth. It uses 3D cell culture with cancer-associated fibroblasts and single-cell gene expression to map cell relationships and transitional states. The research team plans to translate findings toward clinical therapies by identifying stromal mechanisms that could be targeted in patients.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the work could lead to new treatment strategies that target the tumor-supporting stroma to slow or stop disease progression.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown that tumor-supporting stromal cells influence cancer progression, with 3D co-culture models providing relevant insights, though this exact Gli1+ population requires validation in humans.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Pennsylvania
Philadelphia, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Chen, Chi-Der — University of Pennsylvania
- Study coordinator: Chen, Chi-Der
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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.