Understanding how certain immune cells help reduce pain in women undergoing chemotherapy
Official title: Novel expression of MHC class II on DRG neurons and its role in promoting antinociceptive CD4+ T cells in females during chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy
Funded at University of New England · NIH-10897835 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain immune cells might help reduce pain from chemotherapy in women, and it aims to find out how these cells work with nerve cells and are affected by hormones, so we can improve pain relief for women during cancer treatment.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of New England NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Biddeford, United States) |
| Project start | August 15, 2022 |
| Project end | July 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $325,079 |
| NIH project number | 5R01CA267554-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-10897835 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are women undergoing chemotherapy, particularly those at risk for developing peripheral neuropathy.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not undergoing chemotherapy or who are male may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of specific immune cells, known as CD4+ T cells, in alleviating pain caused by chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) in female patients. The study focuses on how these immune cells interact with nerve cells in the dorsal root ganglia (DRG) and how their presence is influenced by hormonal factors. By examining the differences between male and female responses to chemotherapy, the research aims to uncover mechanisms that could lead to better pain management strategies for women undergoing cancer treatment.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved pain management strategies for women experiencing chemotherapy-induced neuropathy.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promising results in understanding immune cell interactions in pain management, but this specific approach focusing on female patients and CD4+ T cells is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
University of New England
Biddeford, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Goode, Diana J — University of New England
- Study coordinator: Goode, Diana J
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).
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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.
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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.
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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.