Investigating a specific protein's role in pain from oral cancer
Official title: Contribution of Truncated TrkB Isoform in Oral Cancer Pain
Funded at University of Texas Hlth Science Center · NIH-11116279 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a protein called TrkBT1 affects pain in people with head and neck cancer, with the goal of finding better ways to manage that pain without relying too much on opioids.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Texas Hlth Science Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (San Antonio, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2024 |
| Project end | July 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $598,332 |
| NIH project number | 1R56DE034087-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11116279 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients diagnosed with head and neck cancer who are experiencing significant pain.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with cancers other than head and neck cancer or those not experiencing pain may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding how a specific protein, TrkBT1, contributes to pain experienced by patients with head and neck cancer. The study will explore the relationship between this protein and pain transmission in sensory neurons, particularly in the context of oral squamous cell carcinoma. By examining how TrkBT1 affects pain behaviors and the tumor microenvironment, the research aims to identify new approaches for pain management that could reduce reliance on opioids. The methodology includes both laboratory experiments and potential clinical applications to improve patient outcomes.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new pain relief strategies for patients suffering from oral cancer, potentially reducing their dependence on opioids.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in targeting similar pathways for pain management in cancer patients, indicating potential for success in this approach.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Texas Hlth Science Center
San Antonio, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Ruparel, Shivani B — University of Texas Hlth Science Center
- Study coordinator: Ruparel, Shivani B
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Endosomal signaling and cancer pain control in oral cancer
A study to understand how signals inside nerve cells and supportive cells contribute to pain in people with oral cancer.
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Truncated TrkB and Oral Cancer Pain in Head and Neck Cancer
This project looks at a specific brain receptor told to influence pain in people with oral cancer to find new ways to reduce pain without heavy opioids.
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Understanding how mouth cancer proteases drive pain in patients
This NIH grant looks at how enzymes in oral cancer tumors may cause pain, aiming to connect specific proteases with how patients feel pain.
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Blocking HB-EGF and trigeminal EGFR to reduce oral cancer pain and opioid tolerance
Blocking HB-EGF and EGFR signals in trigeminal nerve cells to try to reduce severe mouth cancer pain and slow opioid tolerance for people with oral cancer.
-
Continuous flow production of antibody-loaded nanoparticles for non-opioid oral cancer pain relief
A non-opioid approach using antibody-packed nanoparticles is being developed to relieve oral cancer pain and improve quality of life.
-
Understanding the causes of pain in oral cancer patients
This study is looking into why kids with oral cancer feel different levels of pain, so we can find better ways to help them feel more comfortable.
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.