Why some oral precancers become invasive oral cancer
Mapping immuno-genomic drivers of the head and neck precancer invasive-disease transition
This project looks at immune and genetic changes in mouth precancers to help identify who is most likely to develop invasive oral cancer.
Quick facts
| Grant type | U01 cooperative agreement |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California, San Diego NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (La Jolla, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11182631 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers will collect tissue samples and medical information from people with oral leukoplakia (white patches in the mouth) and from invasive oral cancers to compare them. They will map immune cells and genetic alterations in these samples using laboratory tests and advanced computer analyses to find patterns linked to progression. The team will create detailed atlases showing how the immune system and tumor genetics change as a lesion becomes invasive. Results are intended to point to markers or pathways that could be used for earlier detection or targeted prevention.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal participants are people with oral leukoplakia or other suspicious oral precancerous lesions who can provide tissue samples and medical history.
Not a fit: People without oral precancer or those whose cancer is already invasive may not directly benefit from this prevention-focused project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could allow doctors to identify high-risk mouth lesions and intervene earlier to prevent invasive oral cancer.
How similar studies have performed: Related immune and genomic mapping approaches have shown promise in other cancers, but applying this combined strategy specifically to oral leukoplakia is relatively new.
Where this research is happening
La Jolla, United States
- University of California, San Diego — La Jolla, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Alexandrov, Ludmil B — University of California, San Diego
- Study coordinator: Alexandrov, Ludmil B
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.