Understanding and overcoming resistance to cisplatin in head and neck cancer

The Houston Center for Acquired Resistance Research (H-CARR)

NIH-funded research University of Tx Md Anderson Can Ctr · NIH-10917404

This study is looking at why some people with head and neck cancer don’t respond well to the common treatment cisplatin, and it aims to find ways to spot this resistance early and improve treatment options for patients.

Quick facts

Grant typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Tx Md Anderson Can Ctr NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Houston, United States)
Project IDNIH-10917404 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research focuses on head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC), a major cause of cancer deaths, particularly examining why some patients develop resistance to cisplatin, the standard treatment. The team aims to identify biological markers and metabolic changes that contribute to this resistance, using advanced techniques to analyze tumor metabolism and circulating tumor cells. By understanding these mechanisms, the research seeks to develop methods for early detection of resistance and strategies to overcome it, potentially improving treatment outcomes for patients.

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 undergoing treatment with cisplatin.

Not a fit: Patients with head and neck cancers that are not treated with cisplatin or those with other unrelated conditions may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective treatments for patients with cisplatin-resistant head and neck cancer.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promise in understanding cisplatin resistance, but this approach aims to provide a more comprehensive and novel perspective on the issue.

Where this research is happening

Houston, United States

Researchers

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 below.
Conditions Cancer CauseCancer Etiology
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 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.