Investigating how certain cells affect bone healing after radiation treatment in older cancer survivors
Official title: Role of p21 positive senescent cells in radiation-induced skeletal injury and repair
Funded at Mayo Clinic Rochester · NIH-11077308 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain aging cells in the bones, especially those marked by a specific protein, can affect healing after radiation therapy in older cancer survivors, with the goal of finding new ways to help improve bone health and overall quality of life for these patients.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Mayo Clinic Rochester NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Rochester, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2023 |
| Project end | April 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $395,430 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AG082681-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11077308 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are elderly cancer survivors who have received radiation treatment and are experiencing skeletal injuries or deterioration.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not cancer survivors or those who have not undergone radiation therapy may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding the role of specific senescent cells, particularly those expressing the p21 marker, in the healing of skeletal injuries caused by radiation therapy in elderly cancer survivors. The study employs advanced techniques such as gene expression analysis and mass cytometry to identify and characterize unique populations of bone cells that may influence bone repair and deterioration. By examining how these cells behave in response to radiation, the research aims to uncover potential therapeutic targets to improve bone health and quality of life for affected patients.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that enhance bone healing and reduce fracture risk in older cancer survivors who have undergone radiation therapy.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding cellular senescence and its impact on aging and injury repair, suggesting that this approach may yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Mayo Clinic Rochester
Rochester, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Chandra, Abhishek — Mayo Clinic Rochester
- Study coordinator: Chandra, Abhishek
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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.