Understanding how nerve and immune interactions in the skin contribute to nerve damage from chemotherapy.
Contribution of cutaneous neuro-immune interactions to chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy
This study is looking into how chemotherapy, especially the drug oxaliplatin, can cause painful nerve damage in cancer patients, and it aims to understand how nerve and immune cells in the skin work together to create this problem, with hopes of finding better ways to help manage the pain.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Wake Forest University Health Sciences NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Winston-Salem, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11030961 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates the mechanisms behind chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN), a painful condition affecting many cancer patients after treatment. Specifically, it focuses on how interactions between nerve cells and immune cells in the skin contribute to nerve damage caused by the chemotherapy drug oxaliplatin. By studying these interactions, the research aims to uncover new insights that could lead to better management of CIPN symptoms. The approach includes examining the sensory nerve fibers and their immune interactions in the skin, particularly in areas most affected by CIPN.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are cancer patients who have received oxaliplatin and are experiencing symptoms of peripheral neuropathy.
Not a fit: Patients who have not undergone chemotherapy or those who do not experience peripheral neuropathy may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatments or preventive strategies for patients suffering from painful nerve damage after chemotherapy.
How similar studies have performed: While there has been some research on neuro-immune interactions in CIPN, this specific focus on skin interactions is relatively novel and has not been extensively studied.
Where this research is happening
Winston-Salem, United States
- Wake Forest University Health Sciences — Winston-Salem, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Shiozawa, Yusuke — Wake Forest University Health Sciences
- Study coordinator: Shiozawa, Yusuke
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.