Using miR-27a* to treat head and neck cancer
Official title: Development of miR-27a* for the Treatment of Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Funded at University of Tx Md Anderson Can Ctr · NIH-10876378 · Data updated 2026-11-12
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 type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Tx Md Anderson Can Ctr NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Houston, United States) |
| Project start | July 15, 2023 |
| Project end | July 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $628,900 |
| NIH project number | 5R01DE032521-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10876378 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients diagnosed with advanced head and neck squamous cell carcinoma who have not responded well to existing therapies.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with early-stage head and neck cancer or those whose cancer is not related to EGFR overexpression may not benefit from this research.
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.
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 gone: Previous research has shown promise in targeting similar pathways in cancer treatment, suggesting that this approach could be effective.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Tx Md Anderson Can Ctr
Houston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Lai, Stephen Y — University of Tx Md Anderson Can Ctr
- Study coordinator: Lai, Stephen Y
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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.