Understanding how tumors interact with the immune system during cancer spread

Systems Biology of Tumor-Immune-Stromal Interactions in Metastatic Progression

['FUNDING_OTHER'] · STANFORD UNIVERSITY · NIH-10931476

This study is looking at how cancer cells interact with immune and support cells in the lymph nodes to understand how head and neck cancer and lung adenocarcinoma spread, which could help improve treatment options for patients.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_OTHER']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorSTANFORD UNIVERSITY (nih funded)
Locations1 site (STANFORD, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-10931476 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

This research investigates the complex interactions between cancer cells, immune cells, and supportive stromal cells in the lymph nodes, which play a crucial role in the spread of cancer to distant sites. By focusing on head and neck cancer and lung adenocarcinoma, the study aims to uncover how these interactions contribute to immune tolerance and metastatic progression. The research employs advanced methodologies to analyze changes in the tumor environment over time, providing insights into the early stages of cancer spread. Patients may benefit from a better understanding of how their cancer progresses and how to potentially improve treatment strategies.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are patients diagnosed with head and neck cancer or lung adenocarcinoma who are experiencing or at risk of metastatic disease.

Not a fit: Patients with localized cancers that have not spread or those with other types of cancer not included in the study may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapeutic strategies that enhance the immune response against metastatic cancer.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding tumor-immune interactions, but this specific focus on lymph nodes in metastatic progression is relatively novel.

Where this research is happening

STANFORD, 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.

View on NIH RePORTER →

Conditions: Cancer Cause, Cancer Etiology

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 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.