How sensory nerves affect bone metastasis and pain in cancer

The contributions of sensory nerves to bone metastasis and associated bone pain

['FUNDING_R01'] · WAKE FOREST UNIVERSITY HEALTH SCIENCES · NIH-10794304

This study is looking at how nerves in the body might affect pain and the spread of prostate cancer to the bones, with the hope of finding new ways to help manage pain and improve treatment for patients dealing with this issue.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_R01']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorWAKE FOREST UNIVERSITY HEALTH SCIENCES (nih funded)
Locations1 site (WINSTON-SALEM, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-10794304 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

This research investigates the role of sensory nerves in the development of bone metastasis and the associated pain experienced by patients with prostate cancer. The team is exploring how cancer cells that spread to the bone can influence nerve growth and pain signaling through specific neuropeptides. By studying these mechanisms in mice, the researchers aim to uncover potential targets for new treatments that could alleviate pain and improve outcomes for patients with bone metastases.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are patients with prostate cancer who have developed bone metastases and are experiencing bone pain.

Not a fit: Patients without prostate cancer or those whose cancer has not metastasized to the bone may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapies that reduce bone pain and improve the quality of life for patients with metastatic prostate cancer.

How similar studies have performed: Other research has indicated that targeting nerve signaling pathways can be effective in managing cancer-related pain, suggesting that this approach may hold promise.

Where this research is happening

WINSTON-SALEM, UNITED STATES

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.

View on NIH RePORTER →

Conditions: bone disorder, Bone Diseases, Cancers, neoplasm/cancer

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.