Understanding how nerve activity influences cancer growth
Official title: Unraveling Neural Circuitry in Peripheral Cancer Pathogenesis: From Local Innervation to Systemic Influences
Funded at Brigham and Women's Hospital · NIH-10687571 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how the nervous system might influence cancer growth, especially in brain tumors and other types, to find new ways to treat patients by understanding how cancer and nerves work together.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Brigham and Women's Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | September 26, 2023 |
| Project end | August 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2023 |
| Award (this year) | $1,535,160 |
| NIH project number | 1DP2CA290968-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10687571 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include patients diagnosed with brain cancers, such as gliomas, as well as those with peripheral cancers that may be influenced by neural activity.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with non-cancerous conditions or those whose cancers do not involve neural interactions may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of the nervous system in cancer development, particularly how nerve activity can affect tumor growth. It explores the interactions between cancer cells and neural circuits, focusing on both brain cancers like gliomas and potential peripheral cancers. By examining how these interactions occur, the study aims to uncover new mechanisms that contribute to cancer pathogenesis, which could lead to innovative treatment strategies. Patients may benefit from insights into how their cancer interacts with the nervous system, potentially leading to targeted therapies.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatment approaches that target the interactions between cancer cells and the nervous system.
How similar studies have gone: While the specific interactions between neural circuitry and peripheral cancers are less explored, there is emerging evidence that similar approaches have shown promise in understanding brain cancer dynamics.
Where this research is happening
-
Brigham and Women's Hospital
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Venkatesh, Humsa — Brigham and Women's Hospital
- Study coordinator: Venkatesh, Humsa
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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.