Nerves inside head and neck tumors and pain

Who could benefit from this research

What this research studies

From a patient's point of view, the team is studying the nerves that grow into head and neck tumors and how those nerves make cancer pain worse. They compare tumors caused by HPV with those driven by other mutations and look for differences between men and women. In the lab they examine tumor samples, tiny particles tumors release (sEVs), and use animal models to see how tumors attract and change nerves. The work aims to reveal why some tumors cause more pain and to find biological targets that could lead to better, non-opioid treatments.

Why it matters

Where this research is happening

• Sanford Research/usd
  Sioux Falls, United States Active

Researchers

• Principal investigator: Vermeer, Paola Drapkin — Sanford Research/usd
• Study coordinator: Vermeer, Paola Drapkin

Related research

Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.

• Understanding how the nervous system affects head and neck cancer pain

  This research looks at how the body's stress response system might make head and neck cancer pain worse and how it could affect tumor growth.

  NIH research University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh · Pittsburgh, United States · NIH-11120982

• Understanding how nerves in tumors affect pain in head and neck cancer

  This study is looking at how certain nerve cells in head and neck cancer tumors might affect pain differently in patients with HPV negative tumors compared to those with HPV positive tumors, and it hopes to find new ways to help manage that pain.

  NIH research Sanford Research/usd · Sioux Falls, United States · NIH-11061424

• Investigating how the nervous system affects pain in head and neck cancer

  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.

  NIH research University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh · Pittsburgh, United States · NIH-10877136

• Using focused ultrasound to relieve pain in head and neck cancer patients

  This study is looking at a new way to help people with head and neck cancer feel less pain by using a special type of ultrasound that targets the brain, and it’s designed to be safe and easy without the usual side effects of pain meds or surgery.

  NIH research University of Virginia · Charlottesville, United States · NIH-10242191

• Cancer Pain Management for Asian American Breast Cancer Survivors with Depressive Symptoms

  A technology-based program helps Asian American breast cancer survivors with depressive symptoms manage chronic pain more effectively from home using a web app and mobile tools.

  NIH research Vanderbilt University · Nashville, UNITED STATES · NIH-11609950

• Combined Imaging and RNA Markers to Predict Head and Neck Cancer Recurrence

  A research project aims to use imaging and RNA data to better predict if head and neck cancer will come back, helping doctors tailor treatments for patients.

  NIH research Washington University · Saint Louis, United States · NIH-11607780

About this research

1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.