Understanding how esophageal cancer starts and changes the immune environment
Official title: Esophageal Squamous Cell Cancer Initiation and Immune Landscape Remodeling
Funded at University of Tx Md Anderson Can Ctr · NIH-11005053 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how esophageal cancer starts and changes the immune system, using special mice to understand the genetic changes involved, which could help find new ways to detect and treat this type of cancer earlier.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Tx Md Anderson Can Ctr NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Houston, United States) |
| Project start | December 29, 2023 |
| Project end | November 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $468,540 |
| NIH project number | 5R01CA278971-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11005053 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals at high risk for esophageal squamous cell carcinoma, such as those with a family history of the disease or certain pre-existing conditions.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with other types of esophageal cancer or those who are not at risk for esophageal squamous cell carcinoma may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the initiation of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) and how it alters the immune landscape. Using a genetically engineered mouse model, researchers are exploring the genetic changes that lead to cancer and how these changes affect the immune response. By manipulating genes in esophageal organoids, they aim to identify key tumor suppressor genes involved in cancer development. This work could lead to better methods for early detection and treatment of ESCC.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved early detection and treatment strategies for esophageal cancer, potentially enhancing patient outcomes.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promise in using genetic models to study cancer initiation, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Tx Md Anderson Can Ctr
Houston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Park, Jae-Il — University of Tx Md Anderson Can Ctr
- Study coordinator: Park, Jae-Il
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.