How opioids affect cancer treatment in blood cancers
Official title: Opioid-induced changes to chemotherapeutic activity in blood cancer
Funded at University of Utah · NIH-10895587 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how pain medications called opioids might affect the success of chemotherapy for people with blood cancers like acute lymphoblastic leukemia and chronic myeloid leukemia, helping to find better ways to manage pain while treating cancer.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Utah NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Salt Lake City, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2022 |
| Project end | July 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $201,134 |
| NIH project number | 5K22CA258671-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-10895587 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are children and adults with blood cancers, particularly those undergoing chemotherapy and using opioids for pain management.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have blood cancers or are not receiving chemotherapy may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the effects of opioids on the effectiveness of chemotherapy in patients with blood cancers, particularly acute lymphoblastic leukemia and chronic myeloid leukemia. It examines how opioids, which are often used for pain management in cancer patients, can either enhance or hinder the effectiveness of chemotherapy depending on their concentration. By studying both laboratory models and patient samples, the research aims to clarify the complex interactions between opioid use and cancer treatment outcomes, potentially leading to improved treatment strategies.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective cancer treatments by optimizing the use of opioids in conjunction with chemotherapy.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown mixed results regarding the effects of opioids on cancer treatment, indicating that this area of research is both complex and novel.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Utah
Salt Lake City, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Constance, Jonathan Eric — University of Utah
- Study coordinator: Constance, Jonathan Eric
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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.