Understanding and treating pain and mouth sores from radiation for head and neck cancer
Official title: Targeting TRPV1-containing nerves for radiation-induced pain and oral mucositis
Funded at University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh · NIH-11127572 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This work explores new ways to relieve the burning pain and mouth sores that often happen after radiation therapy for head and neck cancer.
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 | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $238,500 |
| NIH project number | 5R21DE034106-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11127572 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
This foundational research is for patients with head and neck cancer who experience or are at risk for radiation-induced pain and oral mucositis.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have head and neck cancer or are not undergoing radiation therapy for it would not directly benefit from this specific research.
What this research studies
Many people with head and neck cancer experience significant pain and mouth sores, called oral mucositis, after radiation treatment. This pain can feel like a burning sensation and makes it hard to eat and speak, sometimes even causing treatment delays. Our goal is to understand the specific nerves involved in this pain and mucositis. We are looking at a particular type of nerve, called TRPV1-containing nerves, to see if targeting them could offer a new way to provide relief. This research aims to develop better treatments so patients can complete their cancer therapy more comfortably.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new medications or therapies that significantly reduce pain and oral mucositis for patients undergoing radiation for head and neck cancer.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work has suggested that targeting TRPV1 nerves might reduce oral mucositis, but this research will specifically explore its impact on pain and develop better preclinical models.
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.