Targeting a specific pathway in head and neck cancer treatment
Official title: Targeting NRF2 in Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Funded at St. Louis VA Medical Center · NIH-10951530 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a specific pathway in our cells might affect the growth and treatment resistance of advanced head and neck cancer, with the hope of finding new ways to improve treatments for patients like you.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | St. Louis VA Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (St. Louis, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | October 1, 2023 |
| Project end | September 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| NIH project number | 5IK2BX006120-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10951530 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients diagnosed with recurrent or metastatic head and neck squamous cell carcinoma who have not responded well to current therapies.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with early-stage head and neck cancer or those who have not yet received treatment may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of the NRF2 oxidative stress pathway in recurrent and metastatic head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). By analyzing genomic data, the study aims to understand how dysregulation of this pathway contributes to tumor growth and treatment resistance. The researchers will explore novel treatment strategies that can work alongside existing immunotherapies to improve patient outcomes. The goal is to develop effective therapies that can target the defenses of tumor cells, potentially leading to better responses in patients with advanced HNSCC.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatment options that significantly improve survival rates and quality of life for patients with advanced head and neck cancer.
How similar studies have gone: While targeting the NRF2 pathway in cancer is a relatively novel approach, similar strategies in other cancers have shown promising results, indicating potential for success in this area.
Where this research is happening
-
St. Louis VA Medical Center
St. Louis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Zolkind, Paul — St. Louis VA Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Zolkind, Paul
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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.