Creating a mouse model to understand nerve damage from cancer treatment
Official title: Development and validation of a tumor-bearing model of oxaliplatin-induced neuropathy
Funded at University of Tx Md Anderson Can Ctr · NIH-11038882 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is creating a mouse model to better understand and find ways to treat the painful nerve damage that can happen from chemotherapy, especially for people with colorectal cancer and existing nerve problems.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Tx Md Anderson Can Ctr NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Houston, United States) |
| Project start | February 1, 2025 |
| Project end | January 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $408,277 |
| NIH project number | 1R61NS140684-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11038882 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients undergoing chemotherapy for colorectal cancer who experience or are at risk of developing nerve pain.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not undergoing chemotherapy or do not have colorectal cancer may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing a mouse model to study chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN), a painful side effect of cancer treatment. By using mice with colorectal cancer, the researchers aim to replicate the conditions that lead to nerve damage, including the effects of chemotherapy drugs like oxaliplatin. The model will help identify the underlying mechanisms of CIPN and evaluate potential treatments. This approach is designed to better reflect the complexities of human patients, particularly those with pre-existing nerve issues.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatments for patients suffering from nerve pain due to chemotherapy.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that developing animal models can effectively mimic human conditions, suggesting this approach has potential for success.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Tx Md Anderson Can Ctr
Houston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Shepherd, Andrew John — University of Tx Md Anderson Can Ctr
- Study coordinator: Shepherd, Andrew John
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This grant aims to develop a non-invasive imaging method to measure nerve changes in patients undergoing chemotherapy to better understand and monitor chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN).
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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.