$6 Million in NIH grants to Advance Oral Cancer Treatment and Pain management
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A trio of multi-year grants, totaling $6 million from the National Institutes of Health, has been awarded to researchers at UT Health San Antonio’s School of Dentistry to tackle the challenges of oral cancer – a disease characterized by low survival rates and debilitating pain. The funding will support innovative research into new therapies for oral squamous cell carcinoma, strategies to mitigate the painful side effects of cancer treatment, and novel approaches to manage oral cancer pain.
The grants represent a significant step forward in addressing a growing public health concern. As one senior official stated, “These grants represent new promise in addressing both the treatment and conditions of oral cancer that, unluckily, is growing more common and carries relatively low survival rates.” the research aims to develop “new and transformative therapies” for a disease that currently impacts approximately 200,000 people nationwide.
The Growing Crisis of Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma
oral squamous cell carcinoma, which accounts for over 95% of all oral cancer cases, is a particularly aggressive form of the disease. It develops in the lining of the mouth and is often diagnosed at a late stage, contributing to a dismal five-year overall survival rate of just 38%. The disease is responsible for approximately 11,000 deaths in the United States annually.
Researchers are now focusing on identifying new therapeutic targets to improve outcomes for patients with this devastating disease. Among the key areas of inquiry are the debilitating side effects of cancer treatment, such as Radiation-Induced oral Mucositis (RIOM), and the complex mechanisms underlying oral cancer pain.
Addressing Radiation-Induced Oral Mucositis (RIOM)
RIOM causes painful inflammation and ulcers in the mouth, severely impacting quality of life and perhaps disrupting cancer treatment.
A five-year, $3.1 million grant awarded in June to Shivani Ruparel, PhD, professor of endodontics, and Brij B. Singh, PhD, associate dean for research, aims to unravel the underlying mechanisms of RIOM. Their research proposes a novel understanding of the role of calcium, TRPM2 (Transient Receptor Potential Melastatin 2), and inflammasome signaling in the development of this painful condition.
“Our goal is to investigate the role of TRPM2 in the development of RIOM and evaluate the potential of TRPM2 inhibition as a preventive treatment,” Singh stated. TRPM2 is a calcium-permeable ion channel linked to oxidative stress and inflammation, both key components of RIOM. The team hopes their findings will led to new, effective strategies for preventing and treating this debilitating side effect.
unlocking New Pathways for Oral Cancer Pain Management
effective pain management is a critical component of oral cancer care, yet current options frequently enough fall short. Traditional pain medications, such as opiates, can be ineffective or lead to tolerance, leaving patients suffering. A four-year, $2.6 million grant,also awarded in August,will support Ruparel’s investigation into the role of a truncated TrkBT1 isoform – a variant of the Tyrosine Kinase B receptor – in mediating oral cancer pain.
“Given that TrkBT1 is the predominant isoform highly expressed in oral cancers, targeting this receptor signaling can prove to be an effective therapy for cancer-induced pain and also tumor progression,” Ruparel noted.Her research will explore how this receptor contributes to pain signals both at the tumor site and within sensory neurons. The ultimate goal is to identify new therapeutic targets that can provide more effective and lasting pain relief for oral cancer patients.
“This study’s relevance lies in its potential to uncover novel therapeutic targets for managing oral cancer-induced pain and improving patients’ quality of life,” Ruparel added. “by investigating the role of TrkBT1 in both sensory neurons and the tumor microenvironment, the research may pave the way for innovative treatments that address pain and oral tumorigenesis concurrently.”
These three grants, spanning the School of Dentistry’s Centre for Regenerative Sciences, Center for Pain Therapeutics and Addiction Research, and collaborative efforts between both centers, represent a concerted effort to improve the lives of individuals affected by oral cancer and its associated challenges. The research promises to deliver not onyl new treatments but also a deeper understanding of this devastating disease.
Related reading
- Why Oral Health Is More Important Than You Think (archynewsy.com)
