Targeting HER3 and EGFR pathways in head and neck cancer
Official title: Project 1: Targeting of ErbB/HER family receptors in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma
Funded at Yale University · NIH-11265317 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A Yale-led project aims to find better ways to treat head and neck cancer by using targeted antibodies and antibody-drug conjugates to block EGFR and HER3 signaling.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Yale University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New Haven, United States) |
| Project start | September 22, 2020 |
| Project end | June 30, 2031 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $202,223 |
| NIH project number | 9P50DE036901-06 |
| Project ID | NIH-11265317 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma whose tumors express EGFR/HER3 signaling pathways.
✕Less likely to help
Patients whose tumors do not rely on EGFR/HER3 signaling or cannot tolerate the proposed therapies may see limited benefit.
What this research studies
This project looks at how head and neck cancer cells rely on EGFR and related HER3 signals. Researchers will study how tumors respond to patritumab-deruxtecan and how combining it with other drugs might improve effectiveness. The work spans basic lab experiments, preclinical testing, and analysis of patient-derived samples to identify biomarkers of response and resistance. The ultimate goal is to tailor therapies to the signaling state of each tumor and overcome treatment resistance.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, patients could receive more effective, personalized therapies for head and neck cancer with potentially fewer resistance issues.
How similar studies have gone: Other HER3-targeted ADCs are in development, with variable early success depending on tumor biology and biomarkers.
Where this research is happening
-
Yale University
New Haven, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Lemmon, Mark a — Yale University
- Study coordinator: Lemmon, Mark a
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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.