Understanding how nerve activity influences cancer growth

Unraveling Neural Circuitry in Peripheral Cancer Pathogenesis: From Local Innervation to Systemic Influences

NIH-funded research Brigham and Women's Hospital · NIH-10687571

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 typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionBrigham and Women's Hospital NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Boston, United States)
Project IDNIH-10687571 on NIH RePORTER

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.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: 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.

Not a fit: Patients with non-cancerous conditions or those whose cancers do not involve neural interactions may not benefit from this research.

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 performed: 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

Boston, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Conditions Cancersneoplasm/cancerDiseaseDisorder
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.