Using a lozenge to target and treat oral cancer cells

Targeting OSCC cells with a lozenge to treat oral cancer

NIH-funded research Sentrimed, INC. · NIH-10915138

This study is testing a new, gentle lozenge made from a natural ingredient to see if it can help treat oral cancer in patients whose cancer cells have a specific protein, offering a potentially easier option than traditional treatments.

Quick facts

Grant typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionSentrimed, INC. NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Mullica Hill, United States)
Project IDNIH-10915138 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates a new treatment for oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC), a type of oral cancer that is often resistant to traditional therapies. The approach involves using a nontoxic lozenge containing Maackia amurensis seed lectin (MASL), which targets a specific protein (PDPN) found on OSCC cells. The study will assess the effects of this treatment on cancer cell characteristics and immune response in patients with high PDPN expression. If successful, this could provide a less invasive option for treating oral cancer.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are patients with oral lesions that express high levels of PDPN and are at risk of developing OSCC.

Not a fit: Patients with oral cancers that do not express PDPN or those who have advanced-stage cancer may not benefit from this treatment.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could offer a novel, less toxic treatment option for patients with oral cancer, potentially improving their quality of life.

How similar studies have performed: While targeting PDPN in oral cancer is a novel approach, similar strategies targeting specific cancer markers have shown promise in other types of cancer treatments.

Where this research is happening

Mullica Hill, 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.
Conditions Skin Cancer
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.