Understanding and Treating Head and Neck Cancer with Ceramide
Ceramide Signaling in the Regulation of Head & Neck Cancer Cell Death and Therapy
This research explores how a natural substance called ceramide can help stop head and neck cancer cells from growing and improve future treatments.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Medical University of South Carolina NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Charleston, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11114057 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is a serious cancer, and many tumors have lower levels of a protective substance called C18-ceramide. This project aims to understand why ceramide levels are low and how restoring them can make cancer cells more vulnerable to treatment. Researchers have found a new protein that helps move ceramide-producing enzymes to where they are needed in cells to fight cancer. They are also developing a new ceramide-like drug to help increase these protective ceramide levels in cancer cells.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This foundational research is relevant for patients diagnosed with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma, particularly those whose tumors may have low ceramide levels.
Not a fit: Patients with cancers other than head and neck squamous cell carcinoma may not directly benefit from this specific research focus.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new and more effective treatments for head and neck cancer by targeting how cancer cells survive and respond to therapy.
How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown that lower ceramide levels are linked to advanced head and neck cancer, and preliminary data supports the idea that restoring ceramide can suppress tumors, making this a promising area of continued exploration.
Where this research is happening
Charleston, United States
- Medical University of South Carolina — Charleston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Ogretmen, Besim — Medical University of South Carolina
- Study coordinator: Ogretmen, Besim
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.