Targeting copper metabolism to prevent salivary gland damage from radiation
Official title: Inhibition of Radiation-Induced Salivary Gland Fibrosis by Targeting Copper Metabolism
Funded at University of Missouri-Columbia · NIH-11158913 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a new treatment can help protect your salivary glands from damage caused by radiation therapy for head and neck cancer, which can lead to dry mouth, and it hopes to improve your oral health and overall quality of life.
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 | August 1, 2024 |
| Project end | April 30, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $608,342 |
| NIH project number | 5R01DE034293-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11158913 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients receiving radiation therapy for head and neck cancer who are experiencing or at risk of salivary gland fibrosis.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who have not undergone radiation therapy or those with pre-existing salivary gland dysfunction unrelated to cancer treatment may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how radiation therapy for head and neck cancer can lead to damage in salivary glands, causing complications like dry mouth. The approach focuses on inhibiting copper metabolism to prevent fibrosis, a condition that affects the glands' ability to function properly. By using a novel compound that inhibits a specific copper transporter, the research aims to reduce the fibrotic response and restore salivary gland function. Patients may benefit from improved oral health and quality of life if successful.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that alleviate chronic dry mouth and improve salivary gland function in patients undergoing radiation therapy.
How similar studies have gone: While targeting copper metabolism is a novel approach, previous studies have shown varying success with antifibrotic strategies in other conditions, indicating potential but untested efficacy in this specific context.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Missouri-Columbia
Columbia, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Baker, Olga Juliana — University of Missouri-Columbia
- Study coordinator: Baker, Olga Juliana
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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.