Understanding and treating bladder pain syndrome
Official title: Mechanistic-Based Treatment of Interstitial Cystitis/Bladder Pain Syndrome
Funded at Vanderbilt University Medical Center · NIH-11054707 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome (IC/BPS) to find out more about different types of patients based on their symptoms, so we can create better, personalized treatments that really help with their pain and urinary issues.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Vanderbilt University Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Nashville, United States) |
| Project start | May 5, 2023 |
| Project end | February 29, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $749,262 |
| NIH project number | 5R01DK133415-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11054707 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome, particularly those experiencing chronic pelvic pain and urinary symptoms.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with bladder pain syndrome who do not have chronic symptoms or those with other unrelated conditions may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome (IC/BPS), a chronic condition causing significant pelvic pain and urinary symptoms. It aims to improve treatment options by identifying distinct subgroups of patients based on their symptoms and pain distribution. By understanding the neurobiological features associated with these subgroups, the research seeks to develop more effective, personalized treatment strategies. Patients will be involved in a comprehensive evaluation to better tailor interventions to their specific needs.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective and personalized treatments for patients suffering from bladder pain syndrome.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in identifying subgroups within chronic pain conditions, suggesting that this approach could lead to significant advancements in treatment for IC/BPS.
Where this research is happening
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Vanderbilt University Medical Center
Nashville, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Mckernan, Lindsey Colman — Vanderbilt University Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Mckernan, Lindsey Colman
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Understanding spinal cord cell roles in bladder pain and function
A study to map which spinal cord cells process bladder sensations and how they contribute to bladder pain and voiding problems in IC/BPS.
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How bladder support cells control the lining and bladder pain
Researchers are exploring whether special support cells in the bladder control nerve overgrowth and damage to the bladder lining in people with interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome (IC/BPS).
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Personalized treatments for bladder pain (interstitial cystitis)
A treatment approach aiming at the underlying causes of bladder pain for people with interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome.
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Spinal cord cell types that drive bladder pain in interstitial cystitis (IC/BPS)
Researchers will use precise lab tools to find which spinal cord cells cause bladder pain and troublesome urination in people with interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome (IC/BPS).
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Understanding how spinal cord cells affect bladder pain and function
This study is looking at how different types of cells in the spinal cord help process bladder pain and function in people with interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome, with the hope of finding better treatments for those who suffer from this condition.
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Improving brain and muscle activity to reduce pain in women with bladder pain syndrome
This study is looking at how brain activity affects chronic pain in women with Interstitial Cystitis/Bladder Pain Syndrome and will use a special treatment called rTMS to see if it can help improve brain and pelvic muscle function to reduce pain.
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.