How immune cells interact with nerve cells in chemotherapy-related nerve damage
Official title: Neuron-macrophage interactions in models of chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy
Funded at Columbia University Health Sciences · NIH-10673851 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how immune cells and pain-sensing nerve cells work together in people who have pain from chemotherapy, to find new ways to help manage that pain.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Columbia University Health Sciences NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project start | August 4, 2022 |
| Project end | July 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2023 |
| Award (this year) | $188,415 |
| NIH project number | 5R21CA274588-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10673851 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who have experienced chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy and suffer from chronic pain as a result.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who have not undergone chemotherapy or do not experience peripheral neuropathy may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the interactions between immune cells called macrophages and pain-sensing nerve cells in patients suffering from chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN). The study aims to understand how inflammation caused by chemotherapy affects these interactions and contributes to chronic pain. By using models from fruit flies and mice, researchers will explore how changing the activation state of macrophages might help prevent nerve hypersensitivity. This could lead to new strategies for managing pain in patients affected by CIPN.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that alleviate chronic pain for patients suffering from chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy.
How similar studies have gone: While the specific approach of investigating neuron-macrophage interactions in CIPN is novel, related studies have shown promise in understanding immune cell roles in nerve damage and pain.
Where this research is happening
-
Columbia University Health Sciences
New York, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Grueber, Wesley B — Columbia University Health Sciences
- Study coordinator: Grueber, Wesley B
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.
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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.