Investigating how to prevent lymphatic dysfunction caused by a common breast cancer treatment.
Official title: Ryanodine Receptors as Therapeutic Targets to Prevent Doxorubicin-Induced Lymphatic Dysfunction
Funded at Univ of Arkansas for Med Scis · NIH-10904901 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how the chemotherapy drug doxorubicin might cause swelling in the arms or legs (lymphedema) for people being treated for breast and gynecological cancers, and it hopes to find ways to prevent or treat this issue by understanding how certain cells in the lymphatic system are affected.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R37 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Univ of Arkansas for Med Scis NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Little Rock, United States) |
| Project start | August 10, 2023 |
| Project end | July 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $334,377 |
| NIH project number | 5R37CA282349-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10904901 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are breast cancer patients who are undergoing treatment with doxorubicin and are at risk of developing lymphedema.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not receiving doxorubicin or those who have already developed severe lymphedema may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding how the chemotherapy drug doxorubicin contributes to lymphatic dysfunction, particularly lymphedema, in patients undergoing treatment for breast and gynecological cancers. The study examines the role of ryanodine receptors, which are calcium channels in lymph muscle cells, and how their activation by doxorubicin leads to increased calcium levels that may cause damage to lymphatic vessels. By identifying the mechanisms involved, the research aims to develop potential therapeutic targets to prevent or treat lymphedema in affected patients.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that prevent lymphedema in breast cancer patients receiving chemotherapy.
How similar studies have gone: While the specific approach of targeting ryanodine receptors in this context is novel, similar research has shown promise in understanding and mitigating chemotherapy-related complications.
Where this research is happening
-
Univ of Arkansas for Med Scis
Little Rock, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Stolarz, Amanda — Univ of Arkansas for Med Scis
- Study coordinator: Stolarz, Amanda
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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.