Targeting low oxygen and abnormal metabolism to help immunotherapy work better in head and neck cancer
Project 1: Hypoxia and metabolic dysregulation as a targetable barrier to immunotherapy in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC)
This research tests whether changing tumor oxygen levels and metabolism can help immunotherapy work better for people with recurrent or metastatic head and neck cancer.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Pittsburgh, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11192275 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This project runs new clinical trials for people with recurrent or metastatic head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. One trial combines drugs that alter tumor metabolism with anti‑PD‑1 therapy for patients who have not yet received anti‑PD‑1, and another tests adding anti‑CTLA‑4 or anti‑LAG‑3 for patients whose cancer progressed after anti‑PD‑1. Doctors will collect tumor tissue and use advanced laboratory analyses and preclinical models to study tumor oxygen levels, metabolism, and T cell function. The aim is to find drug combinations that overcome resistance and help more patients benefit from immunotherapy.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with recurrent or metastatic head and neck squamous cell carcinoma who are either anti‑PD‑1–naïve or whose cancer progressed on anti‑PD‑1 therapy are the intended candidates.
Not a fit: People with early-stage disease, non-squamous head and neck cancers, or serious medical conditions that make trial drugs unsafe may not be eligible or likely to benefit.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could help more people with hard-to-treat head and neck cancer respond to immunotherapy and potentially live longer.
How similar studies have performed: Immune checkpoint drugs like anti‑PD‑1 have helped some patients, but combining them with metabolism-targeting drugs or additional checkpoint blockers is still experimental with limited proof of success so far.
Where this research is happening
Pittsburgh, United States
- University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh — Pittsburgh, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Delgoffe, Greg M. — University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
- Study coordinator: Delgoffe, Greg M.
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.