Targeted immune-boosting therapy for head and neck cancer
Tumor-Targeted STING Agonism in Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma
['FUNDING_R37'] · YALE UNIVERSITY · NIH-11252352
This work uses a tumor-targeted drug that turns on a cancer-cell immune alarm called STING to help radiation and chemotherapy work better for people with head and neck cancer.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R37'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | YALE UNIVERSITY (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (NEW HAVEN, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11252352 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
Researchers found that the STING pathway inside tumor cells changes how head and neck cancers respond to DNA-damaging treatments like radiation and chemotherapy. They used a whole-genome CRISPR screen to identify STING as a key driver of treatment sensitivity and studied how STING affects reactive oxygen and DNA damage in cancer cells. To deliver STING activation specifically to tumors, they are developing a pH-sensitive carrier (pHLIP) that releases a STING-activating compound in the acidic tumor environment. Work includes laboratory and preclinical tests combining the targeted STING activator with standard therapies to overcome treatment resistance.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma, especially those with tumors that are resistant to radiation or chemotherapy, would be the most likely candidates.
Not a fit: Patients with cancer types outside head and neck squamous cell carcinoma, tumors that lack the STING pathway, or those who cannot tolerate experimental treatments may not benefit.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could make radiation and chemotherapy work better against resistant head and neck tumors, potentially shrinking cancers and improving survival.
How similar studies have performed: STING activation has shown promise in lab and some early clinical work, but using a tumor-targeted pHLIP delivery of a STING agonist is a novel and largely untested approach in patients.
Where this research is happening
NEW HAVEN, UNITED STATES
- YALE UNIVERSITY — NEW HAVEN, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: HAYMAN, THOMAS — YALE UNIVERSITY
- Study coordinator: HAYMAN, THOMAS
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.