Targeting tumors in head and neck cancer to improve treatment response
Tumor-Targeted STING Agonism in Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma
This study is looking at a new way to help people with head and neck cancer respond better to treatments like chemotherapy and radiation by using a special drug that targets the tumor's acidic environment, aiming to make the cancer more vulnerable to these therapies.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R37 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Yale University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New Haven, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11023784 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research focuses on head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC), a deadly cancer that often resists standard treatments like chemotherapy and radiation. The study aims to enhance the effectiveness of these treatments by activating a specific pathway in tumor cells using a novel drug delivery system that targets the acidic environment of tumors. By utilizing a technique called pHLIP, researchers hope to deliver a STING agonist directly to the tumor, potentially improving the cancer's response to DNA-damaging therapies. This approach is based on findings that activating STING can increase the generation of reactive oxygen species, which may help overcome treatment resistance.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are patients diagnosed with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma who are facing treatment resistance.
Not a fit: Patients with early-stage head and neck cancer who have not yet undergone treatment may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective treatments for patients with head and neck cancer, improving survival rates and quality of life.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promise in using STING agonists for cancer treatment, but this specific approach utilizing tumor-targeted delivery is novel.
Where this research is happening
New Haven, United States
- Yale University — New Haven, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Hayman, Thomas — Yale University
- Study coordinator: Hayman, Thomas
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.