Keratinocytes and nerve pain in chemotherapy patients
Official title: Keratinocyte signaling mediates neuropathic pain
Funded at Medical College of Wisconsin · NIH-11447051 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A study tests a new approach to reduce painful nerve damage from chemotherapy by targeting skin cells called keratinocytes.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Medical College of Wisconsin NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Milwaukee, United States) |
| Project start | August 7, 2026 |
| Project end | July 31, 2031 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $647,147 |
| NIH project number | 1R01CA308976-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11447051 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Patients undergoing chemotherapy who are at risk of or experiencing chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy.
✕Less likely to help
The study focuses on mechanisms in skin and nerves; results may not immediately benefit patients without CIPN.
What this research studies
Chemotherapy can cause painful nerve damage for many patients, and this project looks at how skin cells (keratinocytes) contribute to that pain. Researchers will study how keratinocytes communicate with nerve fibers and whether dampening this signaling can lessen pain in models of chemotherapy-induced neuropathy. The work combines lab experiments with studies that could point to new, skin-targeted pain therapies for people undergoing cancer treatment. If successful, this could lead to safer chemotherapy with fewer nerve-related side effects.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If the approach works, patients may experience less neuropathic pain during and after chemotherapy, potentially improving quality of life and allowing more effective cancer treatment.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work in animal models suggests keratinocytes can influence pain signaling and could be a viable target for analgesia.
Where this research is happening
-
Medical College of Wisconsin
Milwaukee, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Stucky, Cheryl Louise — Medical College of Wisconsin
- Study coordinator: Stucky, Cheryl Louise
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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.