Understanding and Managing Treatment Side Effects for Head and Neck Cancer Survivors
Official title: Radiation-Induced Fibrosis and Co-occurring Adverse Treatment-Related Effects in Head and Neck Cancer Survivors
Funded at University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh · NIH-11132582 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This research aims to better understand how radiation treatment for head and neck cancer leads to long-term side effects like neck stiffness and difficulty swallowing, and to find ways to help survivors feel better.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R37 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, 2023 |
| Project end | June 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $632,550 |
| NIH project number | 5R37CA279210-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11132582 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates are head and neck cancer survivors who have undergone radiation treatment and are experiencing or at risk for long-term side effects like neck stiffness and swallowing issues.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who have not received radiation treatment for head and neck cancer or who are not experiencing related long-term side effects may not directly benefit from this specific research.
What this research studies
Many head and neck cancer survivors experience challenging side effects from their treatments, such as radiation-induced fibrosis, which can cause neck disability and problems with swallowing. This project seeks to identify the different patterns these side effects follow over time in survivors. Researchers will also look for biological markers, like specific microRNAs, that might predict who is most at risk for these severe side effects. By understanding these patterns and markers, the goal is to develop more personalized ways to manage and reduce these long-term issues, improving quality of life for survivors.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to tailored interventions that reduce debilitating neck disability and swallowing difficulties for head and neck cancer survivors.
How similar studies have gone: While the burden of these side effects is known, understanding the specific trajectories and reliable biomarkers for radiation-induced fibrosis is a critical, unmet need, making this approach novel in its comprehensive characterization.
Where this research is happening
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University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Nilsen, Marci Lee — University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
- Study coordinator: Nilsen, Marci Lee
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Radiation-related scarring and related effects in head and neck cancer survivors
A study looking at how fibrosis from radiation affects neck movement, swallowing, and daily life in people who have survived head and neck cancer.
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Understanding the long-term effects of radiation treatment in head and neck cancer survivors
This study is looking at how radiation treatment affects people who have survived head and neck cancer over the long term, focusing on issues like neck pain and trouble swallowing, to find ways to help improve their quality of life.
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Biological and social factors shaping psychosocial outcomes in advanced head and neck cancer patients on immunotherapy
This grant studies how biology and social factors influence mental and emotional well-being in people with advanced head and neck cancer who are receiving immunotherapy.
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Photobiomodulation therapy for chronic head and neck lymphedema in cancer survivors
A 5-year, multi-site trial tests a light-based therapy to reduce long-term neck and jaw swelling in people who survived head and neck cancer.
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Tele-CBT program to reduce body image distress after head and neck cancer
This project offers a five-session remote cognitive behavioral therapy (BRIGHT) to help head and neck cancer survivors who are struggling with appearance, speech, or swallowing changes.
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Understanding emotional and social challenges for people with advanced head and neck cancer on immunotherapy
This project aims to understand the emotional and social challenges faced by patients with advanced head and neck cancer who are receiving immunotherapy.
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.