How p53 can protect against mouth sores caused by radiation therapy
Official title: Radioprotective effect of p53 against oral mucositis
Funded at Duke University · NIH-10924014 · Data updated 2026-11-12
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 start | September 7, 2023 |
| Project end | June 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $494,189 |
| NIH project number | 5R01DE033404-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10924014 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients diagnosed with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma who are scheduled to receive radiation therapy.
✕Less likely to help
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.
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.
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 gone: 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
-
Duke University
Durham, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Lee, Chang-Lung — Duke University
- Study coordinator: Lee, Chang-Lung
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Understanding how biological sex affects radiation-induced oral mucositis
This grant explores why women and men experience different severity of mouth sores during head and neck cancer radiotherapy and how to tailor treatments to reduce pain and healing time.
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First-in-human topical gel for preventing and treating radiation-induced oral ulcers in cancer patients
A new oral gel applied to the mouth is being tested to prevent and treat painful mouth ulcers caused by cancer radiation therapy, with early safety and dosing data gathered in people.
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New medicine to prevent or lessen painful mouth sores from radiation
This project develops a potential drug to prevent or shorten painful mouth sores that happen after radiation therapy for head and neck cancer.
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Protecting the mouth from radiation in head and neck cancer
A Duke University-based study looks at how the p53 protein may guard the mouth from radiation-related damage in people with head and neck cancer.
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Prophylactic and therapeutic oral gel to prevent and treat radiation-induced mouth ulcers in cancer patients
A new topical gel shown in animals may prevent or treat painful mouth ulcers caused by cancer radiation therapy, with plans to move toward human testing.
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A new medicine to prevent and treat radiation-related mouth sores
A new oral drug is being developed to prevent or shorten painful mouth sores in people getting radiation to the head and neck.
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.