Using small extracellular vesicles to improve treatment outcomes in head and neck cancer
Small extracellular vesicles as biomarkers of prognosis and response to therapy in head and neck cancer
['FUNDING_R01'] · UNIVERSITY OF PITTSBURGH AT PITTSBURGH · NIH-11000852
This study is looking at tiny particles in your blood to see if they can help doctors figure out how well you might respond to treatments for head and neck cancer, so they can choose the best options for you and avoid unnecessary aggressive therapies.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIVERSITY OF PITTSBURGH AT PITTSBURGH (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (PITTSBURGH, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11000852 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
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.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma who are undergoing or considering anti-cancer therapies.
Not a fit: Patients with early-stage head and neck cancer or those not receiving treatment may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more personalized and effective treatment strategies for patients with head and neck cancer.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promise in using extracellular vesicles as biomarkers in cancer, indicating that this approach may yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
PITTSBURGH, UNITED STATES
- 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.
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 below.
Conditions: advanced disease, anti-cancer therapy