Understanding the early stages of esophageal squamous cell cancer and its immune environment
Official title: Esophageal squamous cell cancer initiation and immune landscape remodeling
Funded at University of Tx Md Anderson Can Ctr · NIH-10983849 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at the early changes in cells that could lead to esophageal cancer, using special techniques to understand how these changes happen in both people and mice, with the hope of finding better ways to detect and treat the disease early on.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Career grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Tx Md Anderson Can Ctr NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Houston, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2024 |
| Project end | August 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $128,936 |
| NIH project number | 1K99CA286761-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10983849 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals at high risk for esophageal squamous cell carcinoma, including those with a history of esophageal conditions or significant exposure to carcinogens.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with advanced esophageal cancer or those who do not have any risk factors for developing ESCC may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the early initiation of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) by focusing on preneoplastic cells, which are early-stage cells that can develop into cancer. Using advanced techniques like single-cell RNA sequencing, the study analyzes both human and mouse models to identify changes in these cells that may lead to cancer. The goal is to uncover the molecular characteristics and immune landscape surrounding these cells, which could help in early detection and treatment strategies for ESCC.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved early detection methods and targeted therapies for esophageal squamous cell cancer.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promise in understanding cancer initiation through similar molecular and cellular approaches, indicating that this study builds on established methodologies.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Tx Md Anderson Can Ctr
Houston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Ko, Kyung Pil — University of Tx Md Anderson Can Ctr
- Study coordinator: Ko, Kyung Pil
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.