# NIH Reporter #5P50CA097190-20

Project 3: Determining biomarkers for responsiveness to immunotherapy targeting LAG3/PD1 in HNSCC

**Recipient:** University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States

**Award Amount:** $302,039.00
**Ceiling:** $302,039.00

**Awarded:** September 04, 2026

**Identifier:** 5P50CA097190-20

This NIH-funded project investigates biomarkers for immunotherapy responsiveness in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma, focusing on dual LAG3 and PD1 blockade to enhance T cell function and improve treatment outcomes.

### Description

The project aims to understand the mechanisms of action for current and novel immunotherapies (e.g., anti-PD1, anti-LAG3), identify biomarkers of response, and overcome resistance mechanisms. The hypothesis is that dual blockade of LAG3 and PD1 synergizes to enhance CD8+ T cell function in HNSCC, with a focus on peripheral blood immune modules and cytokine-driven immune dysfunction. The study involves a neoadjuvant trial with treatment arms of nivolumab alone or combined with relatlimab, followed by surgery. The goal is to define biomarkers of response and resistance, identify patient populations that benefit from LAG3 therapies, and develop more effective combination immunotherapy trials.

[View original record](https://reporter.nih.gov/search/0C83gI3MXki4-tEhFD4UKQ/project-details/11404948)