Targeting specific proteins in cancer cells to improve treatment for head and neck cancers

Who could benefit from this research

What this research studies

This research focuses on improving treatment for head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCC) by targeting a specific protein called desmoglein 2 (Dsg2) that is often overexpressed in aggressive tumors. The approach involves using engineered immune cells (CAR-T cells) that can recognize and attack cancer cells expressing Dsg2. By understanding the mechanisms that allow some tumors to resist current therapies, the research aims to develop more effective and personalized treatment options for patients. The study will also explore the role of small extracellular vesicles in cancer progression and treatment response.

Why it matters

Where this research is happening

• Thomas Jefferson University
  Philadelphia, United States Active

Researchers

• Principal investigator: Mahoney, My Georgia — Thomas Jefferson University
• Study coordinator: Mahoney, My Georgia

Related research

Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.

• Lymph node metastasis and immune tolerance in head and neck cancer

  A study in people with head and neck cancer looks at how cancer spread to lymph nodes may shape the immune system and help tumors grow.

  NIH research Stanford University · Stanford, United States · NIH-11614785

• Restoring responses to immunotherapy in metastatic lymph nodes in head and neck cancer

  A clinical research project aims to improve how immunotherapy works when cancer has spread to lymph nodes in head and neck cancer patients.

  NIH research University of California, San Francisco · San Francisco, United States · NIH-11510384

• Data-driven classification of aggressive tissue traits to predict cancer outcomes in HPV-negative head and neck cancer

  A clinician-science grant uses data science and AI to identify tissue patterns in HPV-negative head and neck cancer that may predict how long patients stay cancer-free.

  NIH research University of Pennsylvania · Philadelphia, United States · NIH-11505841

• HNSCC, iron addiction, and potential iron-targeted therapies

  This grant explores how head and neck cancer cells become dependent on iron and whether targeting iron pathways could lead to new treatments for patients with recurrent or metastatic disease.

  NIH research Virginia Commonwealth University · Richmond, United States · NIH-11441057

• Targeting SREBP2 to boost radiation therapy in HPV-negative head and neck cancer

  This grant aims to see if blocking SREBP2 can make radiation therapy work better for people with HPV-negative Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma.

  NIH research Indiana University Indianapolis · Indianapolis, United States · NIH-11427724

• Axelopran added to pembrolizumab for frontline recurrent/metastatic head and neck cancer

  A new treatment approach combines axelopran with pembrolizumab for people with PD-L1 positive recurrent/metastatic head and neck cancer to see if it improves response.

  NIH research Glycyx Mor, INC. · San Francisco, United States · NIH-11418514

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.