Stopping chemo-related lymphatic damage by targeting calcium-release channels
Ryanodine Receptors as Therapeutic Targets to Prevent Doxorubicin-Induced Lymphatic Dysfunction
This project tests whether blocking specific calcium-release channels can stop doxorubicin (a common chemotherapy) from damaging lymph vessels in people treated for breast or gynecologic cancers.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R37 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Univ of Arkansas for Med Scis NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Little Rock, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11139504 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
If you are getting doxorubicin chemotherapy, this work looks at how that drug can make lymph vessels stop pumping by causing calcium to leak in lymph muscle cells. The team will use lab experiments and animal models to find which ryanodine receptor subtype is involved and whether blocking those channels or preventing their oxidation preserves lymph flow. They will measure vessel contractions, calcium levels, and oxidative stress, and test drugs that reduce calcium leak to see if lymphatic function is maintained. The goal is to identify treatments that could be given during chemotherapy to lower the chance of long-term lymphedema.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People receiving doxorubicin-containing chemotherapy for breast or gynecologic cancers and who are at risk for lymphedema would be the primary candidates.
Not a fit: Patients not treated with doxorubicin or those who already have established chronic lymphedema may not benefit from these preventative approaches.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could lead to medicines given with chemotherapy that protect lymph vessels and reduce the risk of chronic lymphedema.
How similar studies have performed: Related preclinical work links ryanodine receptor activity to muscle and vascular problems, but using RYR blockers to prevent chemo-induced lymphatic injury is a novel approach with limited prior success data.
Where this research is happening
Little Rock, United States
- Univ of Arkansas for Med Scis — Little Rock, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Stolarz, Amanda — Univ of Arkansas for Med Scis
- Study coordinator: Stolarz, Amanda
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.