Targeting a specific receptor to alleviate joint and muscle pain from breast cancer treatment
Official title: Targeting Sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P1) receptors for the treatment of Aromatase Inhibitors-induced Musculoskeletal Symptoms
Funded at Virginia Commonwealth University · NIH-11061296 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a specific receptor in the body might help relieve pain and stiffness in postmenopausal women with breast cancer who are experiencing side effects from their treatment, and it aims to find new ways to make these symptoms easier to manage.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Virginia Commonwealth University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Richmond, United States) |
| Project start | April 21, 2023 |
| Project end | March 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $626,434 |
| NIH project number | 5R01CA272147-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11061296 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are postmenopausal women who are experiencing musculoskeletal symptoms as a side effect of aromatase inhibitors during breast cancer treatment.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not undergoing treatment with aromatase inhibitors or those with other underlying conditions causing musculoskeletal symptoms may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the use of sphingosine-1-phosphate type-1 receptors to address musculoskeletal symptoms caused by aromatase inhibitors in postmenopausal women undergoing breast cancer treatment. The study aims to understand the mechanisms behind these symptoms, which often lead to therapy discontinuation. By using a mouse model, researchers will explore how the receptor affects pain and stiffness associated with aromatase inhibitors, potentially leading to new treatment options. The approach includes administering an FDA-approved drug that targets these receptors to evaluate its effectiveness in reducing symptoms.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that alleviate joint pain and muscle stiffness for breast cancer patients, improving their quality of life and adherence to therapy.
How similar studies have gone: While targeting S1P receptors is a novel approach in this context, previous research has shown promise in using similar receptor-targeting strategies for other conditions.
Where this research is happening
-
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.