Understanding how head and neck cancer responds to radiation and immunotherapy

P3: Molecular Mechanisms Underlying Therapy Response to Radiation and Immune Checkpoint BlockadeýSUBAWARD

NIH-funded research Cleveland Clinic Lerner Com-Cwru · NIH-10896486

This study is looking at how certain biological factors affect how patients with head and neck cancer respond to radiation and immune treatments, with the hope of making these therapies work better and cause less harm to healthy cells.

Quick facts

Grant typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionCleveland Clinic Lerner Com-Cwru NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Cleveland, United States)
Project IDNIH-10896486 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates the biological mechanisms that influence how head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) patients respond to radiation therapy and immune checkpoint blockade treatments. By analyzing biospecimens and data from patients undergoing these therapies, the study aims to identify factors that contribute to treatment resistance and recurrence. The goal is to enhance the effectiveness of radiation therapy while minimizing damage to healthy tissues. This research will utilize advanced techniques, including CRISPR-based screens, to explore the DNA damage response in cancer cells.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are patients diagnosed with locoregionally recurrent head and neck squamous cell carcinoma who are undergoing radiation therapy combined with chemotherapy or immunotherapy.

Not a fit: Patients with early-stage head and neck cancer or those not receiving radiation therapy may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatment strategies for head and neck cancer, potentially increasing survival rates and reducing recurrence.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding treatment responses in other cancers using similar biological and molecular approaches.

Where this research is happening

Cleveland, 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.
Last reviewed 2026-06-10 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.