Understanding how biological sex affects radiation-induced oral mucositis
Official title: Investigating the Impact of Biological Sex on the Pathophysiology of Radiation-Induced Oral Mucositis
Funded at State University of New York at Buffalo · NIH-11435474 · Data updated 2026-11-12
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.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | State University of New York at Buffalo NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Amherst, United States) |
| Project start | July 9, 2026 |
| Project end | July 8, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $440,275 |
| NIH project number | 1R21DE036324-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11435474 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Patients undergoing head and neck radiotherapy for cancer, with consideration for sex-based analyses.
✕Less likely to help
Some patients may not experience or benefit from the targeted pathways identified, as responses can be individual.
What this research studies
Oral mucositis from head and neck cancer radiotherapy can be severe and limit treatment. The project will compare male and female patients and tissues to uncover sex-specific biological pathways. It uses advanced techniques like single-cell RNA sequencing, spatial transcriptomics, and multimodal immune profiling to map how epithelial injury, immune cells, and tissue remodeling differ by sex. The goal is to identify targets for precision supportive care that minimizes suffering and improves recovery for all patients. The work will build a clearer picture of why sex influences mucositis and how to personalize care.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, patients could receive more effective, sex-tailored supportive therapies to reduce mucositis severity and speed healing during radiotherapy.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work shows sex differences in OM severity, and this study advances from basic observations to molecular-level explanations.
Where this research is happening
-
State University of New York at Buffalo
Amherst, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kirkwood, Keith L — State University of New York at Buffalo
- Study coordinator: Kirkwood, Keith L
Related research
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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.
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Understanding and treating pain and mouth sores from radiation for head and neck cancer
This work explores new ways to relieve the burning pain and mouth sores that often happen after radiation therapy for head and neck cancer.
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.