How early nerve over-activation during paclitaxel treatment may cause chemotherapy-related peripheral neuropathy
The role of acute excitation of sensory neurons in the development of paclitaxel-induced peripheral neuropathy
['FUNDING_R01'] · UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS MED BR GALVESTON · NIH-11174252
This project looks at whether paclitaxel causes early over-activation of sensory nerves that leads to energy failure in nerve fibers and later painful peripheral neuropathy in people treated with paclitaxel.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS MED BR GALVESTON (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (GALVESTON, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11174252 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
From a patient perspective, scientists will study why some people who get paclitaxel develop a painful 'stocking-and-glove' numbness and pain. They will examine sensory neurons and axons to see if paclitaxel triggers over-activation by blocking KCNQ channels, causing ATP loss and impaired transport of mitochondria and other cargo. Experiments will use cellular and animal models and build on observations that acute pain during infusion predicts later neuropathy. The team will track neuronal activity, ATP levels, axonal transport, and mitochondrial clearance to link early events to later nerve damage.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People receiving paclitaxel chemotherapy, especially those who experience acute pain during infusion, would be the most relevant candidates for related future studies or recruitment.
Not a fit: Patients not treated with paclitaxel or those with long-standing, severe neuropathy unlikely to be reversible may not benefit directly from findings focused on early paclitaxel effects.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If correct, this work could point to new ways to prevent or reduce paclitaxel-induced nerve pain by protecting nerve energy supplies or blocking the early over-activation of sensory neurons.
How similar studies have performed: Preclinical studies have suggested paclitaxel can excite sensory neurons and implicate KCNQ channels, but translating these mechanisms into proven human treatments has not yet been achieved.
Where this research is happening
GALVESTON, UNITED STATES
- UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS MED BR GALVESTON — GALVESTON, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: YANG, QING — UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS MED BR GALVESTON
- Study coordinator: YANG, QING
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.