Using specific molecules to detect head and neck cancer from oral rinses
Official title: Aptamer specific for myeloid derived suppressor cells for the diagnosis of head and neck cancer from the oral rinse
Funded at University of Miami School of Medicine · NIH-10802445 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is working on a new way to help catch head and neck cancer early by looking at samples from mouth rinses, using special tools to find cancer-related cells, so that people can get diagnosed more accurately and quickly.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Miami School of Medicine NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Coral Gables, United States) |
| Project start | March 15, 2023 |
| Project end | March 14, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $230,250 |
| NIH project number | 5R21DE032157-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10802445 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who are at risk for or have been diagnosed with head and neck cancer.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with other types of cancers or those without any cancer risk factors may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing a new diagnostic method for early detection of head and neck cancer by analyzing oral rinses. It utilizes RNA aptamers that specifically target myeloid-derived suppressor cells, which are present in high numbers in tumors and can indicate the presence of cancer. The study aims to improve the sensitivity of cancer detection by distinguishing between cancerous and healthy cells in the oral rinse samples. By employing advanced techniques like linear surface plasmon resonance, the researchers hope to create a reliable test for identifying head and neck squamous cell carcinoma.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to a more accurate and non-invasive method for diagnosing head and neck cancer at an earlier stage.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using similar biomarker approaches for cancer detection, indicating potential success for this novel method.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Miami School of Medicine
Coral Gables, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Serafini, Paolo — University of Miami School of Medicine
- Study coordinator: Serafini, Paolo
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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.