Targeting a receptor to protect salivary glands during cancer treatment
Official title: The P2X7 receptor for ATP as a therapeutic target in the prevention of radiation-induced salivary gland dysfunction
Funded at University of Missouri-Columbia · NIH-11009970 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a special treatment might help protect the salivary glands of people with head and neck cancer from damage caused by radiation therapy, aiming to keep their saliva production healthy during and after treatment.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Missouri-Columbia NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Columbia, United States) |
| Project start | April 1, 2023 |
| Project end | January 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $516,779 |
| NIH project number | 5R01DE032032-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11009970 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients diagnosed with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma who are scheduled to receive radiation therapy.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not undergoing radiation therapy or those with other types of cancer unrelated to head and neck squamous cell carcinoma may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how blocking the P2X7 receptor for ATP can help protect salivary glands from damage caused by radiation therapy in patients with head and neck cancer. The study aims to understand the mechanisms behind radiation-induced salivary dysfunction and to evaluate the effectiveness of P2X7 receptor antagonists in preserving salivary gland function during and after treatment. By focusing on the role of extracellular ATP in tissue damage, the research seeks to develop new therapeutic strategies to improve the quality of life for affected patients.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly reduce the incidence of dry mouth and improve salivary function in patients undergoing radiation therapy for head and neck cancer.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown promising results in using P2X7 receptor antagonists for radioprotection, indicating potential for success in this novel approach.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Missouri-Columbia
Columbia, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Weisman, Gary Andrew — University of Missouri-Columbia
- Study coordinator: Weisman, Gary Andrew
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.