Using spinal cord stimulation to reduce pain from chemotherapy
Official title: Spinal cord stimulation for the attenuation of chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy and enhanced chemotherapeutic efficacy
Funded at Johns Hopkins University · NIH-10861786 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how spinal cord stimulation might help relieve the pain caused by chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy, which many cancer patients experience, and aims to find ways to make this treatment even more effective.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Career grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Johns Hopkins University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Baltimore, United States) |
| Project start | July 1, 2021 |
| Project end | June 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $282,426 |
| NIH project number | 5K08CA255428-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-10861786 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are cancer patients experiencing chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not undergoing chemotherapy or do not experience neuropathic pain may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the use of spinal cord stimulation (SCS) as a treatment for chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN), a painful side effect of cancer treatment. The study aims to understand how SCS can alleviate pain and potentially enhance the effectiveness of chemotherapy. Researchers will explore the electrical settings of SCS and its effects on the nervous system and immune response in both animal models and human tissues. By examining these mechanisms, the research seeks to provide insights into improving pain management for cancer patients.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly reduce pain for patients undergoing chemotherapy and improve their overall treatment experience.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown promising results with spinal cord stimulation for various neuropathic pain conditions, suggesting potential for success in this novel application.
Where this research is happening
-
Johns Hopkins University
Baltimore, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Sivanesan, Eellan — Johns Hopkins University
- Study coordinator: Sivanesan, Eellan
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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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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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.
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How the immune system’s CD4+ T cells in women might prevent chemotherapy-related nerve pain
A study in mice explores whether female immune cells in nerve tissue can lessen pain from chemotherapy, with potential implications for preventing CIPN in women.
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Axonal transport and chemotherapy-related nerve pain
This grant studies why certain cancer patients develop painful nerve damage from chemotherapy and explores ways to prevent or treat it.
-
Remote monitoring and nurse follow-up to manage chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy
A program uses symptom reporting tools with nurse follow-up to reduce and better manage chemotherapy-induced neuropathy for cancer survivors, during and after treatment.
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.