Using radiation and a combination of therapies to treat recurrent head and neck cancer.

Treating recurrent HNSCC with radiation and dual TGF-Beta/PD-L1.

NIH-funded research University of Colorado Denver · NIH-11192442

This study is looking at a new way to help people with recurring head and neck cancer by using a combination of radiation therapy and two special treatments that boost the immune system, hoping to make the cancer treatment more effective and improve recovery.

Quick facts

Grant typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Colorado Denver NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Aurora, UNITED STATES)
Project IDNIH-11192442 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates a new treatment approach for patients with recurrent head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) by combining radiation therapy with dual therapies targeting TGF-Beta and PD-L1. The goal is to enhance the effectiveness of radiation in killing cancer cells while also improving the immune response against the tumor. Patients may receive a tailored treatment plan that includes these therapies, which could potentially lead to better outcomes compared to standard treatments. The research aims to evaluate the safety and efficacy of this combined approach in a clinical setting.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with recurrent head and neck squamous cell carcinoma who have previously undergone treatment.

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

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide a more effective treatment option for patients with recurrent head and neck cancer, potentially improving survival rates and quality of life.

How similar studies have performed: While the combination of radiation with immune-targeting therapies is a promising area of research, the specific approach being tested in this study is novel and has not been extensively validated in prior studies.

Where this research is happening

Aurora, 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 2026-06-10 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.