Protecting the Mouth from Radiation Side Effects
Radioprotective effect of p53 against oral mucositis
This project looks for ways to protect the mouth from painful sores that can happen during radiation treatment for 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 ID | NIH-11111172 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Head and neck cancer treatments often involve radiation, which can cause severe mouth sores called oral mucositis. These sores can make it hard to eat, lead to pain, and sometimes interrupt cancer treatment. This project aims to understand how a protein called p53, which is important for cell health, might help protect healthy mouth tissues from radiation damage. By learning more about p53's role, researchers hope to develop new ways to prevent or reduce these painful side effects for patients.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Patients undergoing radiation therapy for head and neck squamous cell carcinoma who experience or are at risk of developing oral mucositis could potentially benefit from future therapies developed from this research.
Not a fit: Patients not receiving radiation therapy for head and neck cancer would not directly benefit from this specific research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new treatments that prevent or lessen severe mouth sores for patients undergoing radiation therapy for head and neck cancer.
How similar studies have performed: Current treatment options for radiation-induced oral mucositis are limited, indicating this approach explores a novel strategy to widen the therapeutic window of head and neck radiation therapy.
Where this research is happening
Durham, United States
- Duke University — Durham, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Lee, Chang-Lung — Duke University
- Study coordinator: Lee, Chang-Lung
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.