Understanding emotional and social challenges for people with advanced head and neck cancer on immunotherapy
Official title: Biological and social determinants of psychosocial sequelae in advanced head and neck cancer survivors receiving immunotherapy
Funded at Emory University · NIH-11177880 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This project aims to understand the emotional and social challenges faced by patients with advanced head and neck cancer who are receiving immunotherapy.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Emory University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Atlanta, United States) |
| Project start | August 27, 2024 |
| Project end | June 30, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $658,403 |
| NIH project number | 5R01CA281873-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11177880 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates would be patients with advanced head and neck cancer who are currently receiving immunotherapy.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have advanced head and neck cancer or are not receiving immunotherapy would not directly benefit from this specific research.
What this research studies
We want to understand the emotional and social challenges, such as fatigue and depression, that patients with advanced head and neck cancer experience while undergoing immunotherapy. Patients with this type of cancer often face unique difficulties with daily activities like eating and speaking due to their disease and treatments. This project will explore how both biological factors within the body and social circumstances contribute to these emotional and social burdens. By identifying these influences, we hope to develop better ways to support patients and improve their quality of life.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to specialized care and interventions that improve the quality of life and long-term survival for head and neck cancer patients receiving immunotherapy.
How similar studies have gone: While the psychosocial burden in advanced cancer is known, evidence specifically on immunotherapy-related psychosocial burdens in head and neck cancer is not well-documented, indicating this area is relatively new.
Where this research is happening
-
Emory University
Atlanta, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Xiao, Canhua — Emory University
- Study coordinator: Xiao, Canhua
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Biological and social factors shaping psychosocial outcomes in advanced head and neck cancer patients on immunotherapy
This grant studies how biology and social factors influence mental and emotional well-being in people with advanced head and neck cancer who are receiving immunotherapy.
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Understanding the effects of biological and social factors on the mental health of advanced head and neck cancer survivors receiving immunotherapy
This study is looking at how both biological and social factors affect the mental health and quality of life of people with advanced head and neck cancer who are receiving immunotherapy, so we can better understand the challenges they face and improve support for their well-being.
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Senescent T cells and immunotherapy resistance in head and neck cancer
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Autologous organoids and humanized mice to test head and neck cancer immunotherapy
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Radiation-related scarring and related effects in head and neck cancer survivors
A study looking at how fibrosis from radiation affects neck movement, swallowing, and daily life in people who have survived head and neck cancer.
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Microbubble-boosted immunotherapy for head and neck cancer
A small NIH-funded project will test whether injecting tiny bubbles into the bloodstream and using ultrasound can boost immunotherapy in people with head and neck cancer.
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.