Stopping paclitaxel‑related nerve damage by targeting inflammation
Damage-associated molecular patterns in chemotherapy toxicity
This work tries to reduce painful nerve damage from the chemotherapy drug paclitaxel by blocking an inflammatory protein called S100A9 in people treated for cancers like breast or lung cancer.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R37 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Ohio State University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Columbus, UNITED STATES) |
| Project ID | NIH-11291845 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
The researchers are studying why paclitaxel, a common chemotherapy, causes long‑lasting nerve pain and swelling by focusing on an inflammatory signal called S100A9. They found in mouse models that mice without S100A9 were protected from paclitaxel‑induced peripheral neuropathy and plan to use available drugs that block S100A9 to test whether blocking this signal reduces nerve injury and immune cell recruitment to the dorsal root ganglia. The project uses laboratory experiments and preclinical animal models to explore drug targets and the inflammatory cascade behind the nerve damage. If the lab and preclinical drug tests look promising, the findings could guide future clinical testing in patients receiving paclitaxel.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People receiving paclitaxel for cancers such as breast or non‑small cell lung cancer, especially those at risk of or experiencing peripheral neuropathy, would be the most relevant group.
Not a fit: People who are not treated with paclitaxel or whose neuropathy is caused by other conditions (for example diabetes or other chemotherapy drugs) are unlikely to benefit directly from this work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could lead to treatments that prevent or lessen painful nerve damage from paclitaxel, helping patients complete chemotherapy with fewer side effects.
How similar studies have performed: Preclinical work showed that genetic loss of S100A9 protected mice from paclitaxel neuropathy, but human trials of S100A9‑targeting drugs for this problem have not yet been done.
Where this research is happening
Columbus, UNITED STATES
- Ohio State University — Columbus, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Eisenmann, Eric Daniel — Ohio State University
- Study coordinator: Eisenmann, Eric Daniel
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.