Understanding how precancerous lesions in the mouth turn into invasive cancer
Official title: Mapping immuno-genomic drivers of the head and neck precancer invasive-disease transition
Funded at University of California, San Diego · NIH-10930096 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a common mouth condition called oral leukoplakia can turn into a serious type of cancer, and it's for people with oral leukoplakia who want to learn more about their condition and how to catch any changes early.
Quick facts
| Grant type | U01 cooperative agreement |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California, San Diego NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (La Jolla, United States) |
| Project start | September 15, 2023 |
| Project end | August 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $750,499 |
| NIH project number | 5U01CA290479-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10930096 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with oral leukoplakia or those at high risk for developing oral squamous cell carcinoma.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have oral leukoplakia or are not at risk for head and neck cancers may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the transition of oral leukoplakia, a common precancerous condition, into oral squamous cell carcinoma, a lethal form of head and neck cancer. By examining the genetic and immune factors involved in this transition, the study aims to identify critical markers that could help in early detection and prevention of invasive cancer. Patients with oral leukoplakia may be monitored through histological and molecular evaluations to understand the progression of their condition. The goal is to develop strategies to intercept this deadly cancer at its earliest stages.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved early detection and prevention strategies for patients at risk of developing invasive oral cancer.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in understanding the genetic and immunological factors in cancer progression, indicating that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California, San Diego
La Jolla, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Alexandrov, Ludmil B — University of California, San Diego
- Study coordinator: Alexandrov, Ludmil B
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.