Understanding how aging affects immune responses in head and neck cancer
Official title: Defining immune-evasive mechanical signaling in head and neck cancer
Funded at Boston University Medical Campus · NIH-11109560 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how getting older affects head and neck cancer, especially how changes in our tissues might help tumors grow and avoid the immune system, with the hope of finding better treatments for older patients facing this type of cancer.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Boston University Medical Campus NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | June 6, 2024 |
| Project end | March 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $676,314 |
| NIH project number | 5R01DE033519-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11109560 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are older adults diagnosed with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are younger or do not have head and neck cancer may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the relationship between aging and head and neck cancer, specifically focusing on how age-related changes in tissues influence tumor growth and immune responses. By using advanced models that mimic the human oral environment, the study aims to identify specific signals that contribute to the progression of head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCC) in older patients. The researchers will explore the mechanical properties of aged tissues and their role in creating an environment that allows tumors to evade the immune system. The ultimate goal is to uncover new therapeutic targets that could improve treatment outcomes for older patients with HNSCC.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatment strategies that enhance the effectiveness of therapies for older patients with head and neck cancer.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that understanding the molecular mechanisms of cancer in the context of aging can lead to significant advancements in treatment strategies.
Where this research is happening
-
Boston University Medical Campus
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Varelas, Xaralabos — Boston University Medical Campus
- Study coordinator: Varelas, Xaralabos
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Combined Imaging and RNA Markers to Predict Head and Neck Cancer Recurrence
A research project aims to use imaging and RNA data to better predict if head and neck cancer will come back, helping doctors tailor treatments for patients.
-
Biomarker to guide treatment in head and neck cancer
A biomarker test using tumor samples is being developed to predict recurrence risk in oral cancers and help tailor treatment.
-
Intensive dental care during cancer follow-up to protect teeth after head and neck radiation
A program delivered in oncology clinics to provide fluoride varnish and dental follow-up aims to reduce tooth decay and improve oral health and quality of life for head and neck cancer patients after radiation therapy.
-
AI-powered radiotherapy planning for cervical and head-and-neck cancer
A computer program helps plan radiation therapy for cervical and head-and-neck cancer patients to make treatments faster and more accurate.
-
AI-powered radiotherapy planning for cervical and head-and-neck cancer
A United Kingdom study is testing AI software that helps plan radiotherapy for cervical and head-and-neck cancer patients to save time and reduce the workload for clinicians in low-resource settings.
-
AI-powered radiotherapy planning for cervical and head-and-neck cancer
A UK research team is testing an AI-based software to automatically outline cancer areas and plan radiation beams to speed up treatment for cervical and head-and-neck cancers in LMICs.
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.