Understanding how nerve interactions affect pain in oral cancer
Official title: Sensory-Sympathetic Nerve Interplay in Oral Cancer
Funded at University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh · NIH-11069068 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain nerves in the mouth interact and cause pain in people with oral cancer, hoping to find better ways to help manage that pain for patients dealing with this condition.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Pittsburgh, United States) |
| Project start | January 1, 2025 |
| Project end | December 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $49,774 |
| NIH project number | 1F31DE034633-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11069068 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients diagnosed with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma who are experiencing severe pain.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with oral cancer who do not experience significant pain may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the interplay between sensory and sympathetic nerves in patients with oral cancer, specifically focusing on how these interactions contribute to severe pain experienced by patients. By using a mouse model of oral cancer, the study examines how adrenergic neurotransmission affects pain-sensing neurons, potentially leading to increased pain sensitivity. The research aims to uncover the mechanisms behind this pain, which could inform better pain management strategies for patients suffering from head and neck squamous cell carcinoma.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved pain management strategies for patients with oral cancer, enhancing their quality of life.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding nerve interactions in cancer pain, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Martel Matos, Andre Alexander — University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
- Study coordinator: Martel Matos, Andre Alexander
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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.