Visualizing immune cells in head and neck cancer using advanced MRI technology
Imaging tumor-associated macrophages in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma using fluorine-19 MRI
['FUNDING_R01'] · UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, SAN DIEGO · NIH-11076706
This study is testing a new MRI method to see special immune cells in tumors for people with recurring head and neck cancer, which could help doctors understand how the cancer is doing and find the best treatments for each patient.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, SAN DIEGO (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (LA JOLLA, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11076706 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
This research focuses on using a specialized MRI technique to visualize tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) in patients with recurrent head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). The study aims to develop a non-invasive method to assess the burden of these immune cells within tumors, which is crucial for understanding patient prognosis and treatment response. By injecting a fluorine-19 MRI tracer that targets macrophages, researchers hope to create detailed images that can help identify patients who may benefit from specific cancer therapies. This approach could lead to better patient stratification and optimized treatment strategies based on individual tumor characteristics.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are patients diagnosed with recurrent head and neck squamous cell carcinoma who are undergoing treatment.
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 improved treatment outcomes for patients with head and neck cancer by enabling more personalized therapy based on tumor immune profiles.
How similar studies have performed: Similar research using advanced imaging techniques to visualize immune cells has shown promise, indicating that this approach could be effective.
Where this research is happening
LA JOLLA, UNITED STATES
- UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, SAN DIEGO — LA JOLLA, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: AHRENS, ERIC T. — UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, SAN DIEGO
- Study coordinator: AHRENS, ERIC T.
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: anti-cancer therapy