Blocking HB-EGF and trigeminal EGFR to reduce oral cancer pain and opioid tolerance
Targeting HB-EGF and trigeminal EGFR for oral cancer pain and opioid tolerance
Blocking HB-EGF and EGFR signals in trigeminal nerve cells to try to reduce severe mouth cancer pain and slow opioid tolerance for people with oral cancer.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | New York University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11372499 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This project looks at a protein called HB-EGF and its receptor EGFR in the nerve cells that sense pain in the mouth to understand why oral cancer pain can be severe and why opioids stop working. The team will use genetic tools and drugs in laboratory and animal models to block HB-EGF/EGFR and measure pain-related behaviors and opioid responses. They will record nerve signaling using a new brainstem preparation and compare findings with patient samples that showed higher HB-EGF in people with worse pain. Together, these approaches aim to reveal pathways that could be targeted to change how oral cancer pain and opioid tolerance are managed.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with oral (mouth) cancer who are experiencing moderate to severe pain and are using or considering opioid pain medicines.
Not a fit: People without oral cancer, or those whose pain is caused by other conditions, are unlikely to receive direct benefit from this work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Could lead to new ways to lower oral cancer pain or prevent opioid tolerance so patients may need lower opioid doses and have fewer side effects.
How similar studies have performed: Some prior research links EGFR signaling to pain, but targeting HB-EGF in trigeminal neurons for oral cancer pain and opioid tolerance is a newer approach with limited clinical testing to date.
Where this research is happening
New York, United States
- New York University — New York, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Ye, Yi — New York University
- Study coordinator: Ye, Yi
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.