Understanding how tobacco affects oral cancer and its treatment

Decoding tobacco-related oral cancer ecosystem by integrative approach

NIH-funded research University of Utah · NIH-10677015

This study is looking at how smoking affects the immune system in people with oral cancer caused by HPV, and how it might change the way treatments like Nivolumab work, all to help improve care and options for patients dealing with these issues.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Utah NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Salt Lake City, United States)
Project IDNIH-10677015 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates the complex relationship between tobacco use, HPV infection, and oral cancer. It aims to explore how tobacco exposure alters the immune environment in oral cancers and affects the efficacy of immunotherapy treatments like Nivolumab. By using advanced multi-omics techniques, the study will identify new therapeutic targets and develop a web portal to share findings and resources with the research community and patients. This comprehensive approach seeks to enhance understanding and treatment options for those affected by tobacco-related oral cancers.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research include individuals diagnosed with oral cancer who have a history of tobacco use.

Not a fit: Patients who do not have a history of tobacco use or those with non-tobacco-related oral cancers may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatment strategies and outcomes for patients with tobacco-related oral cancers.

How similar studies have performed: Other research has shown promising results in understanding the immune microenvironment in cancers, making this approach both relevant and potentially impactful.

Where this research is happening

Salt Lake City, 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 2026-06-13 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.