Using immune cells to fight head and neck cancer
Targeting the innate immune response in HNSCC
Trying treatments that change immune cells around head and neck tumors to help people with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma respond better to therapy.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California, San Diego NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (La Jolla, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11161162 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This project focuses on immune cells called macrophages that collect in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma tumors and help cancers hide from the immune system. Researchers found two kinds of tumor macrophages—tissue-resident and bone marrow–derived—that act differently and may be targeted in different ways. The team will use laboratory work and patient tumor samples to block macrophage growth or alter myeloid cell behavior so other immune cells can attack the tumor. The overall aim is to develop approaches that could be moved into clinical trials for patients who do not respond to current checkpoint immunotherapy.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC), including both HPV-positive and HPV-negative tumors, especially those who have not responded to approved checkpoint immunotherapy.
Not a fit: Patients with non-squamous head and neck cancers, those unable to receive immune-based treatments, or those seeking only immediate standard care rather than research participation are unlikely to benefit directly.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Could help more people with HNSCC respond to immunotherapy and lead to better tumor control with fewer long-term side effects.
How similar studies have performed: Checkpoint immunotherapies have improved outcomes for about 20–30% of HNSCC patients, while strategies that specifically target tumor-associated macrophages are promising but remain at an earlier, experimental stage.
Where this research is happening
La Jolla, United States
- University of California, San Diego — La Jolla, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Varner, Judith a — University of California, San Diego
- Study coordinator: Varner, Judith a
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.