Investigating a receptor's role in lung damage from radiation therapy
Official title: The Thromboxane-Prostanoid Receptor in Radiation-Induced Pulmonary Fibrosis
Funded at Vanderbilt University Medical Center · NIH-10912036 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is exploring how radiation therapy can harm the lungs and is looking at a specific receptor that might be involved, with the hope of finding new ways to protect patients from lung damage during cancer treatment.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Vanderbilt University Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Nashville, United States) |
| Project start | August 22, 2023 |
| Project end | July 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $689,596 |
| NIH project number | 5R01CA276352-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10912036 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients receiving thoracic radiotherapy who are at risk of developing radiation-induced lung fibrosis.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who have not undergone radiation therapy or those with pre-existing lung conditions unrelated to radiation exposure may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding how radiation therapy can lead to lung injury, specifically looking at a receptor called the thromboxane-prostanoid receptor (TPr) that may play a key role in this process. By studying how this receptor activates fibroblasts, the research aims to find ways to limit the development of radiation-induced pulmonary fibrosis. The approach includes both pharmacological methods to inhibit the receptor and genetic techniques to explore its function in animal models. The ultimate goal is to identify new treatment strategies that could protect patients from lung damage during cancer treatment.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapies that prevent or reduce lung damage in patients undergoing radiation therapy for cancer.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown promising results in targeting similar pathways to mitigate lung injury, suggesting that this approach may be effective.
Where this research is happening
-
Vanderbilt University Medical Center
Nashville, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: West, James D — Vanderbilt University Medical Center
- Study coordinator: West, James D
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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.