Understanding how the immune system affects the progression of oral pre-cancer to cancer
Official title: Immune determinants of progression from Oral Epithelial Dysplasia to Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma by precision multiplexed imaging
Funded at University of California, San Francisco · NIH-11060001 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how the immune system affects whether a condition called oral epithelial dysplasia turns into oral cancer, so that patients with this condition can get better monitoring and personalized treatments based on their immune responses.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California, San Francisco NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (San Francisco, United States) |
| Project start | June 15, 2022 |
| Project end | March 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $738,039 |
| NIH project number | 5R01DE032033-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11060001 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with oral epithelial dysplasia who are at risk of progressing to oral squamous cell carcinoma.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with established oral squamous cell carcinoma or those without any signs of oral epithelial dysplasia may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the immune factors that influence whether oral epithelial dysplasia (OED) progresses to oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). By using advanced imaging techniques, the study aims to identify specific immune responses that could indicate a higher risk of cancer development. Patients with OED may be monitored more closely and receive tailored treatments based on their immune profiles. The goal is to improve early detection and intervention strategies for those at risk of developing invasive cancer.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective early treatments for patients with pre-cancerous lesions, potentially reducing the progression to cancer.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding immune responses in cancer progression, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California, San Francisco
San Francisco, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Spitzer, Matthew — University of California, San Francisco
- Study coordinator: Spitzer, Matthew
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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.