Targeting specific nerves to reduce pain and mouth sores from radiation therapy
Official title: Targeting TRPV1-containing nerves for radiation-induced pain and oral mucositis
Funded at University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh · NIH-10950683 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how to help people with head and neck cancer who experience painful mouth sores and burning pain during radiation therapy, by exploring new ways to ease their discomfort and improve their quality of life.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Pittsburgh, United States) |
| Project start | July 1, 2024 |
| Project end | June 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $198,750 |
| NIH project number | 1R21DE034106-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10950683 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 experience pain and oral mucositis.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not undergoing radiation therapy or those with other types of cancer unrelated to head and neck may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on addressing the pain and oral mucositis that often occur in patients undergoing radiation therapy for head and neck cancer. It aims to investigate the role of TRPV1-containing nerves in these conditions, as many patients report severe burning pain during and after treatment. By developing preclinical models, the research will evaluate new therapeutic options to alleviate pain and improve the quality of life for affected patients. The study will also explore the relationship between nerve density and the severity of symptoms.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective pain management strategies for patients undergoing radiation therapy for head and neck cancer.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown promise in targeting TRPV1 nerves for pain relief, indicating potential for success in this novel approach.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Scheff, Nicole N — University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
- Study coordinator: Scheff, Nicole N
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Understanding how biological sex affects radiation-induced oral mucositis
This grant explores why women and men experience different severity of mouth sores during head and neck cancer radiotherapy and how to tailor treatments to reduce pain and healing time.
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First-in-human topical gel for preventing and treating radiation-induced oral ulcers in cancer patients
A new oral gel applied to the mouth is being tested to prevent and treat painful mouth ulcers caused by cancer radiation therapy, with early safety and dosing data gathered in people.
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New medicine to prevent or lessen painful mouth sores from radiation
This project develops a potential drug to prevent or shorten painful mouth sores that happen after radiation therapy for head and neck cancer.
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Protecting the mouth from radiation in head and neck cancer
A Duke University-based study looks at how the p53 protein may guard the mouth from radiation-related damage in people with head and neck cancer.
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Prophylactic and therapeutic oral gel to prevent and treat radiation-induced mouth ulcers in cancer patients
A new topical gel shown in animals may prevent or treat painful mouth ulcers caused by cancer radiation therapy, with plans to move toward human testing.
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A new medicine to prevent and treat radiation-related mouth sores
A new oral drug is being developed to prevent or shorten painful mouth sores in people getting radiation to the head and neck.
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.