Understanding how nerves affect immunotherapy resistance in oral cancer
Official title: Harnessing the nervous system to overcome resistance to immunotherapy in oral cancer
Funded at University of Tx Md Anderson Can Ctr · NIH-11088868 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how nerve fibers in oral cancer might help tumors resist treatments that use the immune system, with the hope of finding new ways to make these treatments work better for patients.
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 | August 1, 2022 |
| Project end | May 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $678,424 |
| NIH project number | 5R01DE032018-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11088868 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients diagnosed with oral cancer who are undergoing or considering immunotherapy.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with cancers other than oral cancer or those not receiving immunotherapy may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of nerve fibers in the tumor microenvironment of oral cancer and how they may contribute to resistance against immunotherapy. By studying the interactions between tumor-associated neurons and immune cells, the research aims to uncover mechanisms that promote cancer progression. The approach includes analyzing how these neurons communicate with immune cells and influence their behavior, potentially leading to new therapeutic targets. Patients may benefit from insights that could improve immunotherapy effectiveness for oral cancer.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for enhancing the effectiveness of immunotherapy in oral cancer patients.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promising results in understanding the role of the nervous system in cancer progression, suggesting that this approach may yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
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University of Tx Md Anderson Can Ctr
Houston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Amit, Moran — University of Tx Md Anderson Can Ctr
- Study coordinator: Amit, Moran
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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.