Using miR-27a* to treat head and neck cancer

Development of miR-27a* for the Treatment of Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma

NIH-funded research University of Tx Md Anderson Can Ctr · NIH-10876378

This study is looking at a new way to treat advanced head and neck cancer by using a special molecule called miR-27a* to help kill cancer cells, and it aims to find out how this can work better with other treatments to help patients feel better.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Tx Md Anderson Can Ctr NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Houston, United States)
Project IDNIH-10876378 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research focuses on developing a new treatment for head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) by targeting the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and associated pathways. The approach involves reintroducing a specific microRNA, miR-27a*, which has been shown to induce cell death in cancer cells by regulating key proteins involved in tumor growth. The research aims to understand how miR-27a* can be combined with other therapies to improve treatment outcomes for patients with advanced HNSCC. By exploring these novel therapeutic combinations, the study seeks to provide a more effective treatment option for this challenging cancer.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are patients diagnosed with advanced head and neck squamous cell carcinoma who have not responded well to existing therapies.

Not a fit: Patients with early-stage head and neck cancer or those whose cancer is not related to EGFR overexpression may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to a new, more effective treatment for patients with head and neck cancer, potentially improving survival rates.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promise in targeting similar pathways in cancer treatment, suggesting that this approach could be effective.

Where this research is happening

Houston, 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.