Understanding how aging cells contribute to nerve pain after chemotherapy
Official title: Senescent stromal cells drive chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy
Funded at Washington University · NIH-11108403 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain aging cells in the body might cause the painful nerve problems that some cancer survivors experience after chemotherapy, with the hope of finding new ways to help manage or prevent these symptoms.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Washington University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Saint Louis, United States) |
| Project start | June 1, 2025 |
| Project end | March 31, 2030 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $589,106 |
| NIH project number | 1R01AG093010-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11108403 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are cancer survivors who have experienced nerve pain or discomfort following chemotherapy treatment.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who have not undergone chemotherapy or do not experience peripheral neuropathy may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of senescent stromal cells in causing chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN), a painful condition affecting many cancer survivors. By studying how these aging cells impact nerve function and repair, the research aims to identify potential therapeutic targets to alleviate symptoms. The approach includes genetic mouse models and laboratory assays to explore the mechanisms behind nerve damage and the role of specific cellular factors. Patients may benefit from insights that could lead to new treatments for managing or preventing CIPN.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapies that significantly reduce or prevent nerve pain in cancer survivors after chemotherapy.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the role of cellular senescence in various conditions, suggesting that this approach may yield valuable insights into CIPN.
Where this research is happening
-
Washington University
Saint Louis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Stewart, Sheila a — Washington University
- Study coordinator: Stewart, Sheila a
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Non-invasive, microscopic biomarkers to detect CIPN in chemotherapy patients
This grant aims to develop a non-invasive imaging method to measure nerve changes in patients undergoing chemotherapy to better understand and monitor chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN).
-
Longitudinal study of how body-sense relates to chemotherapy nerve damage
This study follows people with breast or gastrointestinal cancer and healthy controls to see if brain processing of body sensations contributes to chemotherapy-induced nerve damage.
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A new screen for chemotherapy-related nerve problems in young children
A clinician-scientist at Yale is developing a child-friendly survey to quickly screen for nerve-related side effects from cancer treatment in kids from birth to age 5.
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How the immune system’s CD4+ T cells in women might prevent chemotherapy-related nerve pain
A study in mice explores whether female immune cells in nerve tissue can lessen pain from chemotherapy, with potential implications for preventing CIPN in women.
-
Axonal transport and chemotherapy-related nerve pain
This grant studies why certain cancer patients develop painful nerve damage from chemotherapy and explores ways to prevent or treat it.
-
Remote monitoring and nurse follow-up to manage chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy
A program uses symptom reporting tools with nurse follow-up to reduce and better manage chemotherapy-induced neuropathy for cancer survivors, during and after treatment.
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.