Understanding Racial Differences in Head and Neck Cancer Development
Racial differences in Immunogenetic Tumorigenesis of Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma
This project looks at why head and neck cancers develop differently in African Americans compared to white individuals, focusing on genetic and immune system factors.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Johns Hopkins University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Baltimore, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11118686 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Head and neck cancers affect African Americans differently, often leading to more advanced disease and higher mortality rates. This project aims to create a detailed map of how these cancers evolve, specifically looking at the immune system and genetic changes in pre-cancerous lesions. We want to understand how these early changes allow cancer cells to escape the body's immune defenses. By studying these differences, especially in African American patients, we hope to find new ways to improve treatments and outcomes.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma, particularly African Americans, who may have pre-malignant lesions or are undergoing treatment, could be ideal candidates for future related studies.
Not a fit: Patients without head and neck cancer or those whose cancer is not related to the immunogenetic factors being studied may not directly benefit from this specific research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to more effective, personalized treatments for head and neck cancer, especially for African American patients, by targeting specific genetic and immune pathways.
How similar studies have performed: While immune checkpoint inhibitors show promise, this specific focus on racial disparities in immunogenetic tumor evolution in early head and neck cancer is a novel and less explored area.
Where this research is happening
Baltimore, United States
- Johns Hopkins University — Baltimore, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Sidransky, David — Johns Hopkins University
- Study coordinator: Sidransky, David
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 below.