Activating a specific enzyme to protect salivary glands during cancer treatment
Project 2: ALDH3A1 Activation for Radioprotection of Salivary Glands and Other Head and Neck Epithelial Tissues
This study is looking at a way to help people with head and neck cancer who experience dry mouth from radiation treatment by using a special activator to protect their salivary glands and improve saliva production, making their treatment experience more comfortable.
Quick facts
| Grant type | P01 program project |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Stanford University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Stanford, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10914186 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research focuses on addressing dry mouth, a common side effect of radiotherapy in head and neck cancer patients. It investigates the activation of the enzyme ALDH3A1 to protect salivary glands from damage during treatment. By enhancing the function of salivary stem/progenitor cells, the study aims to improve saliva production and overall quality of life for patients undergoing radiotherapy. The approach involves administering a small molecular activator of ALDH3A1 before, during, and after radiation therapy to minimize cell death and preserve salivary function.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are adults undergoing radiotherapy for head and neck cancer who are at risk of developing dry mouth.
Not a fit: Patients who are not undergoing radiotherapy or those with conditions unrelated to head and neck cancer may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly improve the quality of life for head and neck cancer patients by reducing dry mouth and its associated complications.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promise in using similar approaches to protect salivary glands during cancer treatment, indicating potential for success in this area.
Where this research is happening
Stanford, United States
- Stanford University — Stanford, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Le, Quynh-Thu Xuan — Stanford University
- Study coordinator: Le, Quynh-Thu Xuan
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.