Understanding how chemotherapy affects nerve cells
Mechanisms underlying spontaneous firing by motoneurons with acute neurotoxicity
This study is looking at how certain chemotherapy drugs can affect nerve cells in cancer patients, especially how they might cause problems like pain and balance issues, and it's hoping to find ways to help prevent or treat these side effects for people who have survived cancer.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Georgia Institute of Technology NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Atlanta, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11011329 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates the effects of platinum-based chemotherapy drugs on nerve cells, particularly focusing on how these drugs cause unintended firing of motor neurons. By studying cancer-bearing rats, the research aims to uncover the mechanisms behind chemotherapy-induced neuropathy, which leads to symptoms like pain, fatigue, and balance issues. The approach involves administering human-scaled doses of chemotherapy and observing the resulting neuronal activity in a controlled environment. The goal is to identify potential prevention or treatment strategies for the neurological side effects experienced by cancer survivors.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are cancer patients undergoing treatment with platinum-based chemotherapy who experience or are at risk for neurological side effects.
Not a fit: Patients who are not receiving platinum-based chemotherapy or those without neurological symptoms may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatments that alleviate the debilitating neurological symptoms caused by chemotherapy.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown that understanding the mechanisms of chemotherapy-induced neuropathy can lead to better management strategies, indicating that this approach has potential for success.
Where this research is happening
Atlanta, United States
- Georgia Institute of Technology — Atlanta, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Cope, Timothy C — Georgia Institute of Technology
- Study coordinator: Cope, Timothy C
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.