Investigating nerve damage in oropharyngeal cancer survivors after treatment
Official title: Project 2: OPC-NERVE
Funded at University of Tx Md Anderson Can Ctr · NIH-10933256 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how radiation treatment for oropharyngeal cancer can lead to nerve problems later on, which can make it hard for survivors to eat, breathe, and speak, and aims to find ways to catch these issues early and help improve their quality of life.
Quick facts
| Grant type | P01 program project |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Tx Md Anderson Can Ctr NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Houston, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2024 |
| Project end | August 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $492,852 |
| NIH project number | 1P01CA285249-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10933256 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who have been treated for oropharyngeal cancer and are at risk of developing lower cranial neuropathy.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who have not been diagnosed with or treated for oropharyngeal cancer are unlikely to benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on the long-term effects of radiotherapy in patients who have survived oropharyngeal cancer, particularly the delayed onset of lower cranial neuropathy (LCNP). Many survivors initially appear healthy but later experience significant disabilities affecting their ability to eat, breathe, and speak due to nerve damage. The study aims to develop new strategies for early detection and intervention to prevent or mitigate these debilitating symptoms. By understanding the mechanisms behind LCNP, the researchers hope to improve the quality of life for these patients.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved monitoring and treatment options for oropharyngeal cancer survivors, enhancing their long-term health and functional abilities.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has indicated that similar approaches to monitoring and treating late-onset complications in cancer survivors have shown promise, suggesting potential for success in this area as well.
Where this research is happening
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University of Tx Md Anderson Can Ctr
Houston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Hutcheson, Katherine Arnold — University of Tx Md Anderson Can Ctr
- Study coordinator: Hutcheson, Katherine Arnold
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.