How p53 can protect against mouth sores caused by radiation therapy
Radioprotective effect of p53 against oral mucositis
This study is looking at how a protein called p53 can help prevent painful mouth sores that sometimes happen after radiation treatment for head and neck cancer, with the hope of finding better ways to manage these side effects while still treating the cancer effectively.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Duke University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Durham, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10924014 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of the p53 protein in preventing oral mucositis, a painful condition that can occur after radiation therapy for head and neck cancers. By understanding how p53 functions in normal oral tissues, the researchers aim to develop new treatments that can reduce the side effects of radiation without compromising cancer control. The study will involve laboratory experiments to explore the cellular responses to radiation and the protective effects of p53. Patients may benefit from improved management of oral mucositis during cancer treatment.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are patients diagnosed with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma who are scheduled to receive radiation therapy.
Not a fit: Patients who are not undergoing radiation therapy or those with other types of cancers unrelated to head and neck squamous cell carcinoma may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapies that significantly reduce the incidence and severity of oral mucositis in patients undergoing radiation therapy for head and neck cancers.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promising results in using p53-related therapies to mitigate radiation damage, indicating potential for success in this novel approach.
Where this research is happening
Durham, United States
- Duke University — Durham, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Lee, Chang-Lung — Duke University
- Study coordinator: Lee, Chang-Lung
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.