Understanding how certain immune cells contribute to the development of oral cancer
Official title: Intercepting the Evolution of Pro-Tumoral Myeloid Cells During the Initiation of Oral Cancer
Funded at University of Michigan at Ann Arbor · NIH-10903099 · Data updated 2026-11-12
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 type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Michigan at Ann Arbor NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Ann Arbor, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2024 |
| Project end | August 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $54,774 |
| NIH project number | 1F31DE033922-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10903099 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
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.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with HPV-positive head and neck cancers or those without any history of oral lesions may not benefit from this research.
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.
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 gone: Previous research has shown promise in understanding immune responses in cancer, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Michigan at Ann Arbor
Ann Arbor, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Taner, Hulya — University of Michigan at Ann Arbor
- Study coordinator: Taner, Hulya
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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.