CSP7 helps protect lungs from radiation damage in cancer therapy
Official title: CSP7 inhibits toxicity of ionizing radiation to the lung
Funded at University of Texas Hlth Ctr at Tyler · NIH-11251608 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A small NIH-funded project tests whether CSP7 can reduce lung injury caused by radiation therapy in cancer patients.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Texas Hlth Ctr at Tyler NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Tyler, United States) |
| Project start | July 1, 2025 |
| Project end | June 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $178,627 |
| NIH project number | 5R21CA282561-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11251608 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates are individuals at risk of radiation-induced lung injury or those with breast or lung cancer undergoing thoracic radiotherapy, pending future clinical translation.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with cancers outside the thoracic region or those not receiving radiation therapy may not benefit.
What this research studies
This project uses an animal model to study how CSP7 affects lung damage from radiation, a common side effect in breast, lung, and esophageal cancer treatment. Researchers will examine cellular changes in lung tissue, including the p53-related pathways that drive injury and fibrosis, to see if CSP7 can lessen harmful effects. If the approach shows promise in animals, it could guide future studies aiming to protect patients’ lungs during cancer therapy.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, CSP7 could become a strategy to reduce radiation-induced lung injury and improve quality of life for cancer patients.
How similar studies have gone: Earlier animal studies have explored strategies to mitigate radiation-induced lung injury, but no approach is FDA-approved yet, making this a promising but early-stage effort.
Where this research is happening
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University of Texas Hlth Ctr at Tyler
Tyler, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Shetty, Sreerama — University of Texas Hlth Ctr at Tyler
- Study coordinator: Shetty, Sreerama
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.