Understanding how the immune system affects pain in cancer patients
Neuro-immune modulation of pain in health and disease
This study is looking at how a special part of the immune system can help reduce pain for people with advanced head and neck cancers, aiming to find new ways to make pain relief safer and more effective for them.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Duke University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Durham, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10909404 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates the relationship between the immune system and pain management in patients with advanced stage cancers, particularly focusing on those with head and neck squamous cell carcinomas. The study aims to explore how activating a specific immune regulator, STING, can help alleviate pain in these patients, who often suffer from severe pain and functional impairments. By examining the effects of STING activation on pain-sensing neurons, the research seeks to develop new pain relief therapies that are compatible with current cancer treatments. This innovative approach could lead to safer and more effective pain management options for cancer patients.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are patients with advanced stage cancers, particularly those with head and neck squamous cell carcinomas experiencing significant pain.
Not a fit: Patients with early-stage cancers or those not experiencing significant pain may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide new, effective pain relief options for cancer patients suffering from severe pain.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promising results with similar immune modulation approaches in pain management, indicating potential for success in this novel application.
Where this research is happening
Durham, United States
- Duke University — Durham, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Donnelly, Christopher Ryan — Duke University
- Study coordinator: Donnelly, Christopher Ryan
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.