Investigating a new approach to manage pain in oral cancer patients

Targeting HB-EGF and trigeminal EGFR for oral cancer pain and opioid tolerance

NIH-funded research New York University · NIH-10582847

This study is looking at how a protein called HB-EGF influences pain and how well opioids work for people with oral cancer, and it aims to help improve pain management for patients like you.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionNew York University NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (New York, United States)
Project IDNIH-10582847 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research focuses on understanding how a specific protein, HB-EGF, affects pain and opioid tolerance in patients with oral cancer. The team will explore the role of the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) in pain management by examining its interaction with opioid receptors and other proteins involved in pain signaling. Through a combination of pharmacological and genetic methods, they aim to identify how these mechanisms contribute to pain and tolerance to opioid medications. Patients may be involved in assessments that measure pain-related behaviors and responses to treatment.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are patients suffering from oral cancer who experience severe pain and are currently using opioids for pain management.

Not a fit: Patients who do not have oral cancer or those who do not experience significant pain may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that effectively manage pain in oral cancer patients without the rapid development of opioid tolerance.

How similar studies have performed: While the specific approach of targeting HB-EGF in oral cancer pain is novel, similar research has shown promise in understanding pain mechanisms and developing new pain management strategies.

Where this research is happening

New York, 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.
Last reviewed 2026-06-10 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.