Understanding treatment resistance and immune issues in head and neck cancer

Computational tumor phenotyping to interrogate treatment resistance and immune dysregulation in head and neck cancer

NIH-funded research Duke University · NIH-11093432

This study is looking at how head and neck cancer responds to treatment and how the immune system plays a part, hoping to find patterns in medical images that could help explain why some tumors are tougher to treat, especially in relation to HPV, so that patients with this type of cancer can get better treatment options.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionDuke University NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Durham, United States)
Project IDNIH-11093432 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates how head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) responds to treatment and the role of the immune system in this process. By using advanced computational techniques, the study aims to analyze both radiology and pathology images to identify patterns that may explain why some tumors resist treatment. The goal is to better understand the biological characteristics of HNSCC, particularly in relation to the presence or absence of human papillomavirus (HPV). Patients with HNSCC may benefit from insights gained through this research, which could lead to improved treatment strategies.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are patients diagnosed with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma, particularly those with varying HPV statuses.

Not a fit: Patients with other types of cancers or those without head and neck squamous cell carcinoma may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective treatment options for patients with head and neck cancer.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promise in using computational techniques to analyze cancer phenotypes, suggesting that this approach may yield valuable insights.

Where this research is happening

Durham, 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.