Understanding how sensory neuron excitation contributes to nerve pain from cancer treatment
Official title: The role of acute excitation of sensory neurons in the development of paclitaxel-induced peripheral neuropathy
Funded at University of Texas Med Br Galveston · NIH-10804246 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking into why some cancer patients experience painful nerve damage from the chemotherapy drug paclitaxel, hoping to find new ways to help those who suffer from this side effect.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Texas Med Br Galveston NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Galveston, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2024 |
| Project end | August 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $402,874 |
| NIH project number | 1R01CA273001-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10804246 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are cancer patients who are receiving paclitaxel and experiencing acute pain during their treatment.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not undergoing paclitaxel treatment or those without acute pain during infusion may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the mechanisms behind paclitaxel-induced peripheral neuropathy (PIPN), a painful condition that affects cancer patients receiving paclitaxel. It focuses on how acute excitation of sensory neurons during treatment may lead to nerve damage and pain. By studying the cellular processes involved, the research aims to identify potential targets for new therapies that could alleviate this debilitating side effect. Patients experiencing acute pain during treatment may be particularly at risk for developing PIPN, making this research highly relevant.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatments that prevent or reduce nerve pain in cancer patients undergoing paclitaxel therapy.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has indicated that understanding the mechanisms of drug-induced neuropathy can lead to effective interventions, suggesting this approach has potential for success.
Where this research is happening
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University of Texas Med Br Galveston
Galveston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Yang, Qing — University of Texas Med Br Galveston
- Study coordinator: Yang, Qing
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Non-invasive, microscopic biomarkers to detect CIPN in chemotherapy patients
This grant aims to develop a non-invasive imaging method to measure nerve changes in patients undergoing chemotherapy to better understand and monitor chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN).
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Novel pain biomarker for neuropathy that could guide therapy
A study to develop and test a biomarker that reflects how well peripherally acting pain medicines work for people with painful peripheral neuropathy.
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Auricular vagus nerve stimulation to help HIV-related nerve pain in older adults
A new, non-invasive brain-nerve stimulation approach is being tested to help older adults living with HIV who have nerve pain.
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Longitudinal study of how body-sense relates to chemotherapy nerve damage
This study follows people with breast or gastrointestinal cancer and healthy controls to see if brain processing of body sensations contributes to chemotherapy-induced nerve damage.
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Understanding how early nerve excitement during chemotherapy leads to painful nerve damage
A cancer treatment study looks at why the nerve pain some patients get after paclitaxel may develop, by studying how nerves react during the infusion.
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A new screen for chemotherapy-related nerve problems in young children
A clinician-scientist at Yale is developing a child-friendly survey to quickly screen for nerve-related side effects from cancer treatment in kids from birth to age 5.
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.