Nerves inside head and neck tumors and pain
Intra-tumoral neurons contribute to head and neck cancer pain
This research looks at how nerve cells inside head and neck tumors cause pain, with the goal of helping people who have head and neck cancer.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Sanford Research/usd NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Sioux Falls, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11303285 on NIH RePORTER |
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.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with head and neck cancer—especially those experiencing orofacial pain or undergoing surgery who can provide tumor tissue—would be the most relevant candidates for involvement.
Not a fit: People without head and neck cancer or whose facial pain comes from non-tumor causes are unlikely to benefit directly from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to new ways to relieve head and neck cancer pain without relying on opioids and might help detect recurrence earlier.
How similar studies have performed: This is an emerging area with promising preclinical findings showing tumor-nerve interactions, but it has not yet produced established clinical treatments.
Where this research is happening
Sioux Falls, United States
- Sanford Research/usd — Sioux Falls, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Vermeer, Paola Drapkin — Sanford Research/usd
- Study coordinator: Vermeer, Paola Drapkin
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 below.