Understanding how certain immune cells contribute to the development of oral cancer

Intercepting the Evolution of Pro-Tumoral Myeloid Cells During the Initiation of Oral Cancer

NIH-funded research University of Michigan at Ann Arbor · NIH-10903099

This study is looking at how to spot and treat certain types of head and neck cancers early by examining how the immune system responds to changes in the mouth, and it's designed to help people with HPV-negative head and neck squamous cell carcinomas.

Quick facts

Grant typeFellowship grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Michigan at Ann Arbor NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Ann Arbor, United States)
Project IDNIH-10903099 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research focuses on the early detection and treatment of HPV-negative head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCC), which have low survival rates. It aims to identify which oral lesions may progress to cancer by studying the immune response in a preclinical mouse model. The researchers will analyze how specific immune cells, influenced by genetic changes, affect the body's ability to fight cancer. This comprehensive approach includes advanced sequencing and immune profiling to uncover critical insights into cancer progression.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with a history of oral epithelial dysplasia or those at risk for HPV-negative head and neck cancers.

Not a fit: Patients with HPV-positive head and neck cancers or those without any history of oral lesions may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved early detection and treatment strategies for patients at risk of developing oral cancer.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promise in understanding immune responses in cancer, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.

Where this research is happening

Ann Arbor, 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 GenesCancer-Promoting GeneCancers
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.