Investigating how the nervous system affects pain in head and neck cancer
Official title: Sympathetic modulation of head and neck cancer pain
Funded at University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh · NIH-10877136 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how pain and stress affect people with head and neck cancer, and it’s testing whether a common heart medication can help ease that pain and slow down the cancer.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Pittsburgh, United States) |
| Project start | July 6, 2021 |
| Project end | June 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $370,073 |
| NIH project number | 5R01DE030892-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-10877136 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates are individuals diagnosed with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma who are experiencing significant pain and stress.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with other types of cancer or those not experiencing pain related to head and neck cancer may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding the severe pain and stress experienced by patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). It aims to explore the relationship between pain, psychological symptoms, and levels of stress hormones in patients before and after treatment. By using preclinical models, the study investigates whether beta-blockers can reduce pain and tumor growth. The goal is to identify how the sympathetic nervous system contributes to cancer pain and progression.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved pain management strategies for patients with head and neck cancer.
How similar studies have gone: Preliminary data from similar research using beta-blockers in animal models have shown promising results in reducing cancer-related pain and tumor size.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Scheff, Nicole N — University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
- Study coordinator: Scheff, Nicole N
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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.