How mechanical stress can reduce chemotherapy side effects
Official title: The Role of Mechanical Stress in Mitigating Side Effects of Chemotherapy
Funded at Boise State University · NIH-10974947 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how gentle vibrations might help healthy cells recover from the damage caused by chemotherapy while still fighting cancer, with the goal of making life easier for cancer patients by reducing side effects like bone loss and nerve issues.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R15 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Boise State University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boise, United States) |
| Project start | July 1, 2024 |
| Project end | June 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $424,500 |
| NIH project number | 1R15CA293993-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10974947 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are cancer patients receiving platinum-based chemotherapy who are experiencing or at risk of severe side effects.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not undergoing chemotherapy or those with cancers not treated by platinum-based agents may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how applying low intensity vibration (LIV) can help healthy cells repair damage caused by platinum-based chemotherapy while still effectively killing cancer cells. The study aims to enhance the body's natural DNA repair mechanisms, specifically targeting the harmful effects of chemotherapy on healthy tissues. By focusing on the role of mechanical stress, the researchers hope to improve the quality of life for cancer patients by reducing side effects such as bone loss and neurotoxicity. Patients may be involved in trials to assess the effectiveness of this approach in mitigating side effects.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly improve the quality of life for cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy by reducing harmful side effects.
How similar studies have gone: While the application of mechanical stress in this context is relatively novel, similar approaches in enhancing cellular repair mechanisms have shown promise in other studies.
Where this research is happening
-
Boise State University
Boise, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Zavala, Anamaria Gabriella — Boise State University
- Study coordinator: Zavala, Anamaria Gabriella
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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.