NIH-funded research R01 grant

Targeting specific genes to improve treatment for head and neck cancer

Official title: Synthetic Lethal Targeting of CREBBP/EP300 in Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Funded at Yale University · NIH-10804966 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is looking at how changes in certain genes might help make current cancer treatments work better for people with head and neck cancer, so they can get more effective care.

More Carcinoma research and trials

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionYale University
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (New Haven, United States)
Project startMay 1, 2023
Project endApril 30, 2026
Funding year2023
Award (this year)$563,756
NIH project number7R01DE028061-05
Project IDNIH-10804966 on NIH RePORTER

Who could benefit from this research

Could help

Ideal candidates for this research are patients diagnosed with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma, particularly those with mutations in the CREBBP or EP300 genes.

Less likely to help

Patients with head and neck cancers that do not involve mutations in the CREBBP or EP300 genes may not benefit from this research.

What this research studies

This research investigates how targeting the CREBBP and EP300 genes can enhance the effectiveness of existing DNA-damaging treatments for head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). By using advanced genomic techniques, the study aims to identify how mutations in these genes can make cancer cells more sensitive to therapies like radiation and chemotherapy. The approach involves testing these gene targets in laboratory settings to understand their role in cell death and treatment response. If successful, this could lead to more effective treatment strategies for patients with HNSCC.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatment outcomes for patients with head and neck cancer by making existing therapies more effective.

How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promising results in targeting similar genetic pathways to enhance cancer treatment, indicating that this approach may be viable.

Where this research is happening

  • Yale University
    New Haven, United States
    Active

Researchers

  • Principal investigator: Pickering, Curtis — Yale University
  • Study coordinator: Pickering, Curtis

Related research

Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.