Understanding how the nervous system affects head and neck cancer pain
Sympathetic modulation of head and neck cancer pain
['FUNDING_R01'] · UNIVERSITY OF PITTSBURGH AT PITTSBURGH · NIH-11120982
This research looks at how the body's stress response system might make head and neck cancer pain worse and how it could affect tumor growth.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIVERSITY OF PITTSBURGH AT PITTSBURGH (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (PITTSBURGH, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11120982 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
Many people with head and neck cancer experience significant pain and stress, which can impact their well-being and even survival. We want to understand if the body's "fight or flight" nervous system plays a role in making this pain more severe and potentially influencing how the cancer progresses. Our team will study how pain, stress, and certain stress hormones are connected in patients with head and neck cancer before and after their treatment. This work builds on promising findings from lab models where a common medication helped reduce pain and tumor size.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) who are preparing for treatment or are in survivorship may be ideal candidates for future related studies.
Not a fit: Patients without head and neck cancer or those whose pain is not related to the sympathetic nervous system may not directly benefit from this specific approach.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new ways to manage pain and potentially improve outcomes for patients with head and neck cancer by targeting the body's stress response.
How similar studies have performed: Early findings in laboratory models using similar approaches have shown promise in reducing cancer-related pain and tumor growth.
Where this research is happening
PITTSBURGH, UNITED STATES
- UNIVERSITY OF PITTSBURGH AT PITTSBURGH — PITTSBURGH, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: SCHEFF, NICOLE N — UNIVERSITY OF PITTSBURGH AT PITTSBURGH
- Study coordinator: SCHEFF, NICOLE N
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.