New ways to prevent and reverse chemotherapy-related nerve damage
Developing mechanism-based strategies to treat chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy
Researchers are trying approaches that block a nerve‑destroying protein to prevent or reverse painful nerve damage in people treated with chemotherapy.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R37 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Washington University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Saint Louis, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11284066 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Chemotherapy often injures the long nerve fibers that carry feeling from hands and feet, causing lasting pain and disability. This project targets a protein called SARM1 that triggers axon (nerve fiber) self‑destruction and tests strategies to stop that final step. The team is developing a blocking version of SARM1 delivered by adeno‑associated virus and other mechanism‑based approaches to keep nerves alive during or after treatment with drugs like vincristine and bortezomib. Work includes laboratory and preclinical testing aimed at methods that could be translated into treatments for patients receiving neurotoxic chemotherapy.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People receiving or about to receive neurotoxic chemotherapy (for example vincristine or bortezomib) who are at risk for or already have signs of peripheral neuropathy would be the primary candidates.
Not a fit: Patients with neuropathy from non‑chemotherapy causes or those with longstanding, complete nerve loss unlikely to be reversible may not benefit from these approaches.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, these approaches could prevent or reverse chemotherapy‑induced peripheral neuropathy, improve quality of life, and allow patients to complete effective cancer treatment.
How similar studies have performed: Related SARM1‑targeting strategies have shown promising results in animal and laboratory models but are still novel and unproven in human patients.
Where this research is happening
Saint Louis, United States
- Washington University — Saint Louis, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Geisler, Stefanie — Washington University
- Study coordinator: Geisler, Stefanie
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.