Radiation-related scarring and related effects in head and neck cancer survivors
Official title: Radiation-Induced Fibrosis and Co-occurring Adverse Treatment-Related Effects in Head and Neck Cancer Survivors
Funded at University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh · NIH-11377529 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A study looking at how fibrosis from radiation affects neck movement, swallowing, and daily life in people who have survived head and neck cancer.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R37 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Pittsburgh, United States) |
| Project start | July 1, 2023 |
| Project end | June 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $632,236 |
| NIH project number | 5R37CA279210-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11377529 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults who have survived head and neck cancer and received chemoradiation or radiation-based treatment, with varying levels of neck stiffness and dysphagia.
✕Less likely to help
Individuals without a history of head and neck cancer treatment or those not experiencing radiation-induced effects may not benefit.
What this research studies
This project follows head and neck cancer survivors to map how radiation-induced fibrosis and related side effects progress over time. It aims to identify patterns in physical disability, swallowing problems, pain, and other adverse effects, and to explore potential molecular biomarkers that might signal who is at greatest risk. By combining patient-reported information with clinical measurements, researchers hope to uncover actionable insights that could guide personalized care. The ultimate goal is to develop tailored strategies to reduce morbidity and improve quality of life for survivors.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the study could lead to personalized interventions that lessen neck disability and swallowing problems for head and neck cancer survivors.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work has linked neck disability with worse swallowing symptoms, but trajectories and biomarkers for radiation-induced fibrosis are not well defined, making this largely exploratory.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Nilsen, Marci Lee — University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
- Study coordinator: Nilsen, Marci Lee
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Understanding and Managing Treatment Side Effects for Head and Neck Cancer Survivors
This research aims to better understand how radiation treatment for head and neck cancer leads to long-term side effects like neck stiffness and difficulty swallowing, and to find ways to help survivors feel better.
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Understanding the long-term effects of radiation treatment in head and neck cancer survivors
This study is looking at how radiation treatment affects people who have survived head and neck cancer over the long term, focusing on issues like neck pain and trouble swallowing, to find ways to help improve their quality of life.
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Biological and social factors shaping psychosocial outcomes in advanced head and neck cancer patients on immunotherapy
This grant studies how biology and social factors influence mental and emotional well-being in people with advanced head and neck cancer who are receiving immunotherapy.
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Photobiomodulation therapy for chronic head and neck lymphedema in cancer survivors
A 5-year, multi-site trial tests a light-based therapy to reduce long-term neck and jaw swelling in people who survived head and neck cancer.
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Tele-CBT program to reduce body image distress after head and neck cancer
This project offers a five-session remote cognitive behavioral therapy (BRIGHT) to help head and neck cancer survivors who are struggling with appearance, speech, or swallowing changes.
-
Understanding emotional and social challenges for people with advanced head and neck cancer on immunotherapy
This project aims to understand the emotional and social challenges faced by patients with advanced head and neck cancer who are receiving immunotherapy.
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.