Investigating how amphiregulin affects bladder issues in cancer survivors after radiation therapy
The role of amphiregulin in mediating radiation cystitis in cancer survivors
This study is looking at how a protein called amphiregulin affects bladder problems in cancer survivors who have had radiation therapy, with the hope of finding better ways to diagnose and treat this painful condition.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | William Beaumont Hospital Research Inst NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Royal Oak, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11103384 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding radiation cystitis, a painful bladder condition that can develop in cancer survivors who have undergone radiation therapy for pelvic cancers. The study aims to explore the role of a protein called amphiregulin in the development and progression of this condition. By using a preclinical model that mimics human radiation cystitis, researchers will investigate how amphiregulin levels change over time and how they relate to bladder damage. The ultimate goal is to identify new diagnostic and therapeutic strategies to improve the quality of life for affected patients.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are cancer survivors who have experienced bladder issues following radiation therapy for pelvic cancers.
Not a fit: Patients who have not undergone radiation therapy or do not have symptoms of radiation cystitis may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that alleviate the debilitating symptoms of radiation cystitis in cancer survivors.
How similar studies have performed: While research on radiation cystitis is ongoing, the specific investigation of amphiregulin's role in this context is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested.
Where this research is happening
Royal Oak, United States
- William Beaumont Hospital Research Inst — Royal Oak, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Zwaans, Bernadette Margaretha Maria — William Beaumont Hospital Research Inst
- Study coordinator: Zwaans, Bernadette Margaretha Maria
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 below.