Understanding how radiation affects swallowing after cancer treatment
Official title: Mechanisms underlying radiation-induced dysphagia
Funded at University of Louisville · NIH-10671079 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking into why some people have trouble swallowing after treatment for head and neck cancer, and it hopes to find ways to help improve swallowing for those affected.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Louisville NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Louisville, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2022 |
| Project end | July 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2023 |
| Award (this year) | $179,252 |
| NIH project number | 5R21CA263107-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10671079 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who have undergone chemoradiation for head and neck cancer and are experiencing swallowing difficulties.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who have not received chemoradiation treatment or do not have swallowing issues may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the mechanisms behind swallowing difficulties, known as dysphagia, that occur after chemoradiation treatment for head and neck cancer. It aims to explore how radiation damages nerves and affects the brain's control of swallowing. By studying the neural pathways and sensory responses involved in swallowing, the research seeks to identify potential therapeutic targets to improve swallowing function in affected patients. The findings could lead to better management strategies for those experiencing these complications.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatments that help patients regain their ability to swallow after cancer treatment.
How similar studies have gone: While the specific mechanisms of radiation-induced dysphagia are not well-studied, similar research in other areas has shown promise in understanding nerve damage and its effects on motor function.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Louisville
Louisville, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: King, Suzanne N. — University of Louisville
- Study coordinator: King, Suzanne N.
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Wearable biofeedback device to help swallowing after neurologic injury
This project helps people with swallowing problems from neurologic conditions use a small wearable sensor that shows neck muscle activity to guide exercises and improve swallowing.
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Reducing Burden for Care Partners of People with Alzheimer’s and Related Dementias
This project tests a user-friendly Web tool to help care partners of people with dementia manage oropharyngeal dysphagia and reduce daily caregiving burden.
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InHANCE: Radiation-Related Swallowing Difficulty in Head and Neck Cancer
A patient-focused program aims to understand and reduce swallowing problems caused by radiation therapy in head and neck cancer survivors.
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Non-Invasive Dysphagia Detection for Preterm Infants
A new non-invasive tool analyzes a premature baby’s bottle feeding behavior to detect swallowing difficulties early.
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Web program to help caregivers safely feed loved ones with dementia who have trouble swallowing
A web-based program to teach family caregivers how to manage swallowing problems and reduce the stress of feeding a loved one with Alzheimer’s or related dementia.
-
Wearable biofeedback to improve swallowing after neurological diseases
A wearable biofeedback device helps adults with neurogenic dysphagia improve swallowing through guided exercises and remote coaching.
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.