Using small extracellular vesicles to improve treatment outcomes in head and neck cancer

Who could benefit from this research

What this research studies

This research investigates the use of small extracellular vesicles (sEV) as non-invasive biomarkers to predict how patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) will respond to therapies. By analyzing the contents of these vesicles found in blood plasma, researchers aim to differentiate between tumor-derived exosomes and those from non-malignant cells. This approach could help identify which patients are likely to benefit from specific treatments, potentially reducing the use of aggressive therapies that may not be effective. The study employs advanced immune capture technology to isolate and analyze these vesicles, providing insights into their role in immune suppression and treatment resistance.

Why it matters

Where this research is happening

• University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
  Pittsburgh, United States Active

Researchers

• Principal investigator: Whiteside, Theresa L. — University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
• Study coordinator: Whiteside, Theresa L.

Related research

Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.

• Ultrasensitive detection of circulating DNA methylation to guide head and neck cancer prognosis

  A new blood-based test will look for tiny DNA methylation signals in people with head and neck cancer to better predict who’s at higher risk of poor outcomes.

  NIH research H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Ctr & Res Inst · Tampa, United States · NIH-11411371

• Blood exosome markers to predict treatment response in head and neck cancer

  This project looks at tiny particles in blood called exosomes to help predict how people with head and neck cancer will respond to treatment and what their likely outlook is.

  NIH research University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh · Pittsburgh, United States · NIH-11322519

• Combined Imaging and RNA Markers to Predict Head and Neck Cancer Recurrence

  A research project aims to use imaging and RNA data to better predict if head and neck cancer will come back, helping doctors tailor treatments for patients.

  NIH research Washington University · Saint Louis, United States · NIH-11607780

• Colorectal cancer prognosis through a broad, collaborative study

  A large, multi-center study follows people newly diagnosed with colorectal cancer to find biomarkers and patterns that predict outcomes and guide future care.

  NIH research Utah State Higher Education System--University of Utah · Salt Lake City, United States · NIH-11590756

• Biomarker to guide treatment in head and neck cancer

  A biomarker test using tumor samples is being developed to predict recurrence risk in oral cancers and help tailor treatment.

  NIH research Boston University (Charles River Campus) · Boston, United States · NIH-11580855

• Intensive dental care during cancer follow-up to protect teeth after head and neck radiation

  A program delivered in oncology clinics to provide fluoride varnish and dental follow-up aims to reduce tooth decay and improve oral health and quality of life for head and neck cancer patients after radiation therapy.

  NIH research Wake Forest University Health Sciences · Winston-Salem, United States · NIH-11575645

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.