NIH-funded research R01 grant

Understanding the signals that drive head and neck cancer

Official title: System-Level Analyses of Multi-Omics Data to Reveal Mechanisms of Head & Neck Cancer

Funded at Boston University Medical Campus · NIH-10763417 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is looking into how head and neck cancer develops and grows, hoping to find new ways to treat it better by understanding the genetic changes and signals in the cells.

More Head & Neck Cancer research and trials

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionBoston University Medical Campus
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Boston, United States)
Project startMarch 17, 2022
Project endJanuary 31, 2026
Funding year2024
Award (this year)$426,194
NIH project number5R01DE031831-03
Project IDNIH-10763417 on NIH RePORTER

Who could benefit from this research

Could help

Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma, particularly those with advanced disease.

Less likely to help

Patients with early-stage head and neck cancer or those with other types of cancers may not benefit from this specific research.

What this research studies

This research investigates the mechanisms behind head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC), a type of cancer with a low survival rate. By analyzing multi-omics data, the study aims to uncover the biological signals that contribute to the initiation and progression of this disease. The approach includes examining genetic alterations and their impact on cell signaling pathways, particularly focusing on the role of β-catenin and its interactions with other proteins. The goal is to identify potential therapeutic targets that could lead to improved treatment strategies for patients.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that significantly improve survival rates for patients with head and neck cancer.

How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in understanding cancer mechanisms through multi-omics approaches, indicating potential for success in this area.

Where this research is happening

  • Boston University Medical Campus
    Boston, United States
    Active

Researchers

  • Principal investigator: Monti, Stefano — Boston University Medical Campus
  • Study coordinator: Monti, Stefano

Related research

Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.

  • New treatment targets for head and neck cancer in Veterans

    This project looks for ways to block a protein called TMEM16A that helps head and neck cancers grow in Veterans.

    NIH research VA Medical Center · New York, United States · NIH-11471967

  • New treatments for head and neck cancer in veterans

    This study is looking at how a specific protein called TMEM16A affects the growth of a type of throat and mouth cancer in veterans, with the goal of finding new ways to stop early signs of cancer from becoming more serious.

    NIH research VA Medical Center · New York, United States · NIH-11218692

  • Personalized scheduling for radiation therapy in head and neck cancer

    This study is looking at how to make radiation therapy better for people with head and neck cancers by creating personalized treatment plans that adjust based on how the tumor changes during treatment, helping to reduce side effects and improve results.

    NIH research Rice University · Houston, United States · NIH-11199085

  • Personalized treatment planning for head and neck cancer radiation therapy

    This study is working to make radiation therapy better for people with head and neck cancers by creating personalized treatment plans that adjust to changes in their bodies during treatment, helping to reduce side effects and protect healthy tissues.

    NIH research Rice University · Houston, United States · NIH-11198078

  • Understanding and Treating Head and Neck Cancer with Ceramide

    This research explores how a natural substance called ceramide can help stop head and neck cancer cells from growing and improve future treatments.

    NIH research Medical University of South Carolina · Charleston, United States · NIH-11114057

  • New ways to treat head and neck cancer in veterans

    This study is looking at how a certain protein called TMEM16A affects the growth of a type of cancer in veterans, with the hope of finding better treatments for both early and advanced stages of the disease.

    NIH research Veterans Health Administration · Pittsburgh, United States · NIH-10948102

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.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 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.