Understanding and treating pain and mouth sores from radiation for head and neck cancer
Targeting TRPV1-containing nerves for radiation-induced pain and oral mucositis
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 ID | NIH-11127572 on NIH RePORTER |
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.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This foundational research is for patients with head and neck cancer who experience or are at risk for radiation-induced pain and oral mucositis.
Not a fit: 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.
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 performed: 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
Pittsburgh, United States
- 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
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.