Helping the body resolve inflammation to prevent chemical-linked cancer
Resolution of inflammation in chemical-induced cancer
This project explores whether boosting the body's natural inflammation-resolving molecules can prevent cancers that start after exposure to toxic chemicals.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11251946 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
From my perspective as a patient, researchers are studying specialized pro-resolving molecules (SPMs) such as resolvins that help the immune system clear debris and calm dangerous inflammation. They use animal models exposed to known carcinogens and measure inflammatory signals (for example, TNFα and eicosanoids) to see how failed resolution leads to tumor growth. Small, nanogram doses of SPMs will be given to determine whether they reduce cytokine storms and prevent carcinogen-driven tumors without suppressing normal immunity. The goal is to map the pathways involved so future treatments could help people exposed to environmental carcinogens.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: The eventual candidates most relevant to this work would be people with known or suspected exposure to environmental carcinogens or those at high risk for inflammation-driven cancers.
Not a fit: People whose cancers are driven purely by non-inflammatory genetic mutations or who have conditions unrelated to inflammation may not benefit from this approach.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new pro-resolving therapies that lower harmful inflammation and reduce the risk or progression of cancers linked to toxic exposures.
How similar studies have performed: Prior laboratory and animal studies show SPMs can reduce inflammation and improve tissue repair, but applying pro-resolving therapy specifically to prevent or treat carcinogen-driven cancer is a novel approach.
Where this research is happening
Boston, United States
- Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center — Boston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Panigrahy, Dipak — Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Panigrahy, Dipak
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.