How chronic stress affects cancer treatment and immune response to radiation therapy

The impact of chronic stress on radiation induced cell death and the anti-tumor immune response

NIH-funded research Roswell Park Cancer Institute Corp · NIH-10918276

This study is looking at how long-term stress might make radiation therapy less effective for cancer patients, and it aims to find ways to improve treatment by understanding how stress affects the body’s ability to fight cancer.

Quick facts

Grant typeFellowship grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionRoswell Park Cancer Institute Corp NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Buffalo, United States)
Project IDNIH-10918276 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates the effects of chronic stress on the effectiveness of radiation therapy in cancer treatment. It focuses on how stress can hinder tumor cell death and weaken the immune response that is crucial for fighting cancer. By examining the mechanisms behind this stress-induced resistance, the study aims to identify ways to enhance the effectiveness of radiation therapy for cancer patients. The research involves both laboratory experiments and in vivo studies to understand the relationship between stress and cancer treatment outcomes.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are cancer patients undergoing radiation therapy who may be experiencing chronic stress.

Not a fit: Patients who are not undergoing radiation therapy or those without chronic stress may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved radiation therapy strategies that enhance tumor cell death and boost the immune response in cancer patients.

How similar studies have performed: Other research has shown that addressing stress can improve cancer treatment outcomes, suggesting that this approach may yield significant insights.

Where this research is happening

Buffalo, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.