Protecting the mouth from radiation in head and neck cancer
Official title: Radioprotective effect of p53 against oral mucositis
Funded at Duke University · NIH-11335599 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A Duke University-based study looks at how the p53 protein may guard the mouth from radiation-related damage in people with head and neck cancer.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Duke University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Durham, United States) |
| Project start | September 7, 2023 |
| Project end | June 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $496,881 |
| NIH project number | 5R01DE033404-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11335599 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Individuals being treated for head and neck squamous cell carcinoma who may be candidates for radiotherapy modifications in the future.
✕Less likely to help
Patients not undergoing radiation therapy for head and neck cancer or those not at risk for RIOM may receive no direct benefit.
What this research studies
This research focuses on preventing painful mouth sores (RIOM) that often occur during radiation therapy for head and neck cancer. By studying how p53 works in normal oral tissue during radiation, the study aims to find strategies that protect patients without affecting tumor control. The project uses a mouse model to explore cellular responses and may guide future approaches to reduce mucositis in people undergoing treatment. If successful, the findings could lead to new ways to keep patients eating, speaking, and healing during therapy.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, patients could experience less mouth pain and better nutrition during radiation treatment.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research shows p53-related pathways influence tissue responses to radiation, supporting potential benefit but human translation is still developing.
Where this research is happening
-
Duke University
Durham, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Lee, Chang-Lung — Duke University
- Study coordinator: Lee, Chang-Lung
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Understanding how biological sex affects radiation-induced oral mucositis
This grant explores why women and men experience different severity of mouth sores during head and neck cancer radiotherapy and how to tailor treatments to reduce pain and healing time.
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First-in-human topical gel for preventing and treating radiation-induced oral ulcers in cancer patients
A new oral gel applied to the mouth is being tested to prevent and treat painful mouth ulcers caused by cancer radiation therapy, with early safety and dosing data gathered in people.
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New medicine to prevent or lessen painful mouth sores from radiation
This project develops a potential drug to prevent or shorten painful mouth sores that happen after radiation therapy for head and neck cancer.
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Prophylactic and therapeutic oral gel to prevent and treat radiation-induced mouth ulcers in cancer patients
A new topical gel shown in animals may prevent or treat painful mouth ulcers caused by cancer radiation therapy, with plans to move toward human testing.
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A new medicine to prevent and treat radiation-related mouth sores
A new oral drug is being developed to prevent or shorten painful mouth sores in people getting radiation to the head and neck.
-
Understanding and treating pain and mouth sores from radiation for head and neck cancer
This work explores new ways to relieve the burning pain and mouth sores that often happen after radiation therapy for head and neck cancer.
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.