Finding ways to prevent hair loss during ovarian cancer treatment
Countering microtubule stabilization within hair follicles in ovarian cancer chemotherapy
This study is looking at whether low-intensity ultrasound can help protect hair follicles from damage caused by the chemotherapy drug paclitaxel, which many ovarian cancer patients take, in hopes of preventing hair loss during treatment.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Miami School of Medicine NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Coral Gables, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11066440 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates how low-intensity ultrasound can protect hair follicles from damage caused by the chemotherapy drug paclitaxel, which is commonly used to treat ovarian cancer. The study aims to understand the cellular mechanisms involved in this protection and to determine if this approach can effectively prevent hair loss, a significant side effect experienced by many patients. By using human scalp hair follicle organ cultures and mouse models, the researchers will explore how ultrasound can disrupt the formation of harmful microtubule structures without affecting the drug's cancer-fighting properties. The ultimate goal is to develop a clinical trial protocol based on these findings to help improve the quality of life for patients undergoing treatment.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are patients undergoing chemotherapy for ovarian cancer, particularly those receiving paclitaxel.
Not a fit: Patients not undergoing chemotherapy or those with other types of cancer unrelated to ovarian cancer may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly reduce hair loss in patients undergoing chemotherapy for ovarian cancer, improving their quality of life.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promise in using ultrasound for cellular protection, but this specific approach to prevent chemotherapy-induced hair loss is novel.
Where this research is happening
Coral Gables, United States
- University of Miami School of Medicine — Coral Gables, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Xu, Xiangxi Mike — University of Miami School of Medicine
- Study coordinator: Xu, Xiangxi Mike
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.