Understanding how nerves influence cancer growth from brain to the rest of the body
Official title: Unraveling Neural Circuitry in Peripheral Cancer Pathogenesis: From Local Innervation to Systemic Influences
Funded at Brigham and Women's Hospital · NIH-11457483 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This NIH grant explores how neural signals affect cancer growth, including brain tumors and cancers in other parts of the body, with the goal of uncovering new ways to treat cancer.
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, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $998,160 |
| NIH project number | 4DP2CA290968-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11457483 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Patients with brain cancer or peripheral cancers where neural signals may play a role could be relevant for future trials or related studies.
✕Less likely to help
This research is primarily preclinical and may not benefit all cancer patients directly in the near term.
What this research studies
We explain how cancer interacts with the nervous system to influence its growth, from brain tumors to peripheral cancers. The project looks at how nerve activity and electrical signals could drive cancer progression and how cancer cells may communicate with neural networks. Researchers will combine laboratory studies and models to map these neural interactions and identify potential targets for therapy. This work aims to translate complex neuron–cancer communication into actionable strategies for patients in the future.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that interrupt nerve-driven cancer growth and improve outcomes for patients with brain cancers and other cancers influenced by neural signals.
How similar studies have gone: Preclinical studies have shown neural activity can influence brain cancer growth and neuron–cancer connections, suggesting a promising but still emerging approach.
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
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.