Antibody-based treatment for nerve pain from oxaliplatin chemotherapy
Advancing Development of Novel Immunotherapy for Chemotherapy-induced Peripheral Neuropathy (CIPN)
This project tests a small engineered antibody-like drug to relieve long-lasting nerve pain in people treated with oxaliplatin chemotherapy.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Albuquerque VA Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Albuquerque, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11109402 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
I have nerve pain called chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) after oxaliplatin, and this work focuses on tiny engineered antibody fragments (scFvs) that can reach nervous tissue better than full-size antibodies. The team is optimizing these small molecules so they bind a pain-related target and reverse chronic cold and mechanical sensitivity that can persist for years. Most of the work is done in the lab and animal models now to improve binding, tissue penetration, and drug-like properties before any human testing. If the approach is successful, it would be developed as a non-opioid drug to reduce neuropathic pain from chemotherapy.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates are people who have received or are receiving oxaliplatin chemotherapy and who are experiencing or at high risk for persistent CIPN symptoms such as cold or mechanical hypersensitivity.
Not a fit: People whose neuropathy is caused by something other than oxaliplatin or whose symptoms are already permanently damaged may not benefit from this therapy.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the therapy could reduce or reverse CIPN, helping people finish cancer treatment and improving long-term quality of life without opioids.
How similar studies have performed: Similar small antibody fragments have shown promising pain-reducing effects in laboratory and animal studies, but they have not yet been proven safe or effective in people with CIPN.
Where this research is happening
Albuquerque, United States
- Albuquerque VA Medical Center — Albuquerque, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Westlund-High, Karin N. — Albuquerque VA Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Westlund-High, Karin N.
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.