Understanding and Managing Treatment Side Effects for Head and Neck Cancer Survivors
Radiation-Induced Fibrosis and Co-occurring Adverse Treatment-Related Effects in Head and Neck Cancer Survivors
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 ID | NIH-11132582 on NIH RePORTER |
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.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: 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.
Not a fit: 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.
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 performed: 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
Pittsburgh, United States
- 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
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.