Targeting a specific protein to reduce nerve damage from chemotherapy
Inhibition of NLRP3 inflammasome for the treatment of Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy
This study is looking at whether blocking a specific protein can help reduce the painful nerve damage that some cancer patients experience from chemotherapy, with the hope of making their treatment more comfortable and improving their quality of life.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Virginia Commonwealth University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Richmond, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11033067 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates how inhibiting the NLRP3 inflammasome can help alleviate chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN), a painful condition that affects many cancer patients receiving paclitaxel. By studying the effects of this protein in animal models, the researchers aim to understand its role in causing nerve damage and explore potential treatments that could improve patients' quality of life. The study will involve testing whether blocking the NLRP3 inflammasome can reduce the symptoms associated with CIPN, potentially leading to better outcomes for patients undergoing chemotherapy.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are adults over 21 who are experiencing peripheral neuropathy as a side effect of paclitaxel chemotherapy.
Not a fit: Patients who are not undergoing chemotherapy or those who do not experience peripheral neuropathy may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that significantly reduce nerve pain and improve the quality of life for cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy.
How similar studies have performed: While this approach is novel in the context of CIPN, similar strategies targeting inflammasomes have shown promise in other inflammatory conditions.
Where this research is happening
Richmond, United States
- Virginia Commonwealth University — Richmond, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Damaj, M. Imad — Virginia Commonwealth University
- Study coordinator: Damaj, M. Imad
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.