Understanding how certain cancer cells spread in head and neck cancer
Official title: Dissecting hybrid epithelial-mesenchymal states in head and neck cancer
Funded at Washington University · NIH-10987024 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking into how head and neck cancer spreads, focusing on a specific protein that helps cancer cells invade other areas, with the hope of finding new treatments to help patients facing this tough disease.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Washington University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Saint Louis, United States) |
| Project start | March 1, 2023 |
| Project end | November 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $393,750 |
| NIH project number | 5R01DE032371-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-10987024 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients diagnosed with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma, particularly those with advanced disease or poor treatment outcomes.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with head and neck cancers that are not squamous cell carcinoma or those in very early stages of the disease may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the mechanisms behind the spread of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC), a type of cancer with a low survival rate. By analyzing individual cancer cells, the team has identified a new pathway, known as the hybrid epithelial/mesenchymal state (HEM), which plays a crucial role in how these cancer cells invade and metastasize. The study aims to uncover the specific targets of a key protein, Snail2, to better understand its role in promoting cancer progression. The findings could lead to the development of targeted therapies for patients suffering from this aggressive cancer.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new targeted treatments that improve survival rates for patients with head and neck cancer.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promise in targeting similar pathways in cancer treatment, suggesting that this approach could yield significant advancements.
Where this research is happening
-
Washington University
Saint Louis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Puram, Sidharth Venkata — Washington University
- Study coordinator: Puram, Sidharth Venkata
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-
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.