Finding new ways to treat painful nerve damage caused by chemotherapy
Official title: Identification of novel targets for the treatment of chemotherapy-induced painful peripheral neuropathy
Funded at University of Maryland Baltimore · NIH-11160833 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at the painful nerve damage that some cancer survivors experience from chemotherapy, and it's trying to find new ways to help reduce that pain so they can feel better.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Maryland Baltimore NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Baltimore, United States) |
| Project start | September 21, 2020 |
| Project end | August 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $388,750 |
| NIH project number | 4R01CA249939-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11160833 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are cancer survivors experiencing painful peripheral neuropathy as a result of chemotherapy.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who have not undergone chemotherapy or do not experience neuropathic pain may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on chemotherapy-induced painful peripheral neuropathy (CIPN), a common side effect of cancer treatments that can severely impact the quality of life for survivors. The study aims to identify and validate specific molecular targets that contribute to this pain, using advanced techniques in biochemical analysis and imaging. By examining these targets in tumor-bearing mice, the researchers hope to develop new therapies that can either prevent or alleviate CIPN, offering hope for better pain management in cancer patients.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to the development of effective, non-addictive treatments for patients suffering from chemotherapy-induced nerve pain.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in targeting similar molecular pathways for pain management, indicating potential for success in this approach.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Maryland Baltimore
Baltimore, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Melemedjian, Ohannes Kevork — University of Maryland Baltimore
- Study coordinator: Melemedjian, Ohannes Kevork
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Non-invasive, microscopic biomarkers to detect CIPN in chemotherapy patients
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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Longitudinal study of how body-sense relates to chemotherapy nerve damage
This study follows people with breast or gastrointestinal cancer and healthy controls to see if brain processing of body sensations contributes to chemotherapy-induced nerve damage.
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A new screen for chemotherapy-related nerve problems in young children
A clinician-scientist at Yale is developing a child-friendly survey to quickly screen for nerve-related side effects from cancer treatment in kids from birth to age 5.
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How the immune system’s CD4+ T cells in women might prevent chemotherapy-related nerve pain
A study in mice explores whether female immune cells in nerve tissue can lessen pain from chemotherapy, with potential implications for preventing CIPN in women.
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Axonal transport and chemotherapy-related nerve pain
This grant studies why certain cancer patients develop painful nerve damage from chemotherapy and explores ways to prevent or treat it.
-
Remote monitoring and nurse follow-up to manage chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy
A program uses symptom reporting tools with nurse follow-up to reduce and better manage chemotherapy-induced neuropathy for cancer survivors, during and after treatment.
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.