Using modified CAR-T cells to treat head and neck cancer

Who could benefit from this research

What this research studies

This research investigates a new treatment approach for patients with recurrent or metastatic head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) who have not responded to standard therapies. The study involves using CAR-T cells that target a specific protein, CSPG4, which is overexpressed in these tumors. Patients will receive these modified T cells in a controlled setting, and researchers will monitor their safety and effectiveness through various tests, including biopsies and blood samples. The goal is to understand how these CAR-T cells interact with the cancer and the immune system over time.

Why it matters

Where this research is happening

• Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill
  Chapel Hill, United States Active

Researchers

• Principal investigator: Weiss, Jared — Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill
• Study coordinator: Weiss, Jared

Related research

Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.

• Novel idea: Epstein-Barr virus and eye cancer in people living with HIV in Zimbabwe

  A study explores whether Epstein-Barr virus could cause a type of eye cancer in people living with HIV in Zimbabwe.

  NIH research H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Ctr & Res Inst · Tampa, United States · NIH-11625534

• Oral cancer recurrence predictor using tumor microbes and gene activity

  This NIH grant explores how bacteria and immune signals inside oral cancer tumors relate to whether the cancer comes back, with the aim of making a practical risk predictor for patients.

  NIH research University of Colorado Denver · Aurora, UNITED STATES · NIH-11591548

• Data-driven classification of aggressive tissue traits to predict cancer outcomes in HPV-negative head and neck cancer

  A clinician-science grant uses data science and AI to identify tissue patterns in HPV-negative head and neck cancer that may predict how long patients stay cancer-free.

  NIH research University of Pennsylvania · Philadelphia, United States · NIH-11505841

• Targeting PIPKIγi5 to boost immune responses against head and neck cancer

  A study to see if blocking a specific enzyme, PIPKIγi5, can make head and neck cancer more visible to the immune system and more responsive to existing immunotherapies.

  NIH research Virginia Commonwealth University · Richmond, United States · NIH-11449300

• Targeted approaches for lung squamous cell carcinoma with key gene changes

  A study at a major university is exploring new targets in lung squamous cell carcinoma to help people with this cancer find better treatments.

  NIH research University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh · Pittsburgh, United States · NIH-11449092

• Baculovirus-based therapy to treat head and neck cancer with a gentle, minimally invasive approach

  A new, minimally invasive approach using baculovirus-delivered CRISPR gene editing aims to treat head and neck squamous cell carcinoma while aiming to preserve essential tissues.

  NIH research University of Kentucky · Lexington, United States · NIH-11445557

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.