Understanding and treating nerve damage from chemotherapy
Axonal transport and chemotherapy induced peripheral neuropathy
This project looks at how chemotherapy causes nerve damage in cancer patients.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Dana-Farber Cancer Inst NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11110471 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Chemotherapy can cause painful nerve damage, called CIPN, which can affect treatment and quality of life for many cancer patients and survivors. This project aims to understand exactly how chemotherapy drugs like paclitaxel damage nerve cells, specifically focusing on changes in calcium levels and other molecules that lead to nerve destruction. Researchers are using advanced lab models, including nerve cells grown from human patient samples, to identify key processes. The goal is to find new ways to protect nerves and prevent or treat this debilitating side effect.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This research is relevant to cancer patients who experience or are at risk of developing chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN).
Not a fit: Patients who do not receive chemotherapy or do not develop nerve damage from it would not directly benefit from this specific research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new treatments that prevent or reduce the painful nerve damage caused by chemotherapy, significantly improving cancer patients' quality of life.
How similar studies have performed: Previous work under this grant has already shown a key role for increased calcium and specific enzymes in CIPN, building on existing knowledge.
Where this research is happening
Boston, United States
- Dana-Farber Cancer Inst — Boston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Segal, Rosalind a. — Dana-Farber Cancer Inst
- Study coordinator: Segal, Rosalind a.
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.