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

iC9-CAR.CSPG4 CAR-T Cells for Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma

NIH-funded research Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill · NIH-11029590

This study is testing a new treatment using specially modified immune cells to help patients with head and neck cancer that hasn't responded to regular treatments, and it aims to see how well these cells can fight the cancer and how safe they are.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniv of North Carolina Chapel Hill NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Chapel Hill, United States)
Project IDNIH-11029590 on NIH RePORTER

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.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are adults with recurrent or metastatic head and neck squamous cell carcinoma who have not responded to previous treatments.

Not a fit: Patients with early-stage head and neck cancer or those who have not yet undergone standard therapies may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide a new, effective treatment option for patients with advanced head and neck cancer.

How similar studies have performed: Other research has shown promising results with CAR-T cell therapies in various cancers, indicating potential for success with this approach in HNSCC.

Where this research is happening

Chapel 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.
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.