Investigating how specific neurons affect pain from radiotherapy in head and neck cancer patients
Evaluation of TRPM8-expressing neurons as novel regulators of acute radiotherapy-associated pain in patients with head and neck cancer
['FUNDING_R37'] · NORTH CAROLINA STATE UNIVERSITY RALEIGH · NIH-11045703
This study is looking at how certain nerve cells might cause the sharp pain some people feel in their face after radiation treatment for head and neck cancer, with the hope of finding better and safer ways to relieve that pain without relying on opioids.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R37'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | NORTH CAROLINA STATE UNIVERSITY RALEIGH (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (RALEIGH, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11045703 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
This research aims to understand the role of a specific signaling pathway in causing acute pain associated with radiotherapy in patients with head and neck cancer. By studying the TRPM8-expressing neurons, the researchers hope to uncover the molecular mechanisms that lead to severe orofacial pain after radiation treatment. The study will utilize a mouse model to explore how these neurons are activated and contribute to pain, with the ultimate goal of identifying new, safer pain relief strategies for patients. This could lead to alternatives to opioids, which are often ineffective and carry a risk of addiction.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are adults undergoing radiotherapy for head and neck cancer who experience acute orofacial pain.
Not a fit: Patients who are not undergoing radiotherapy or those with other types of cancer may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide head and neck cancer patients with more effective and less addictive pain management options following radiotherapy.
How similar studies have performed: While the specific approach of targeting TRPM8-expressing neurons is novel, similar research has shown promise in understanding pain mechanisms in other contexts.
Where this research is happening
RALEIGH, UNITED STATES
- NORTH CAROLINA STATE UNIVERSITY RALEIGH — RALEIGH, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: NOLAN, MICHAEL WARREN — NORTH CAROLINA STATE UNIVERSITY RALEIGH
- Study coordinator: NOLAN, MICHAEL WARREN
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.
Conditions: addictive disorder