Defining TRPV4 Contribution of Schwann Cells to Oral Cancer Pain
New York University
Summary
This is a prospective study involving human participants. Pressure and stretch sensitivity measures between oral cancer patients and healthy subjects will be compared. Pain stimulation will be conducted on the site of the cancer in 40 oral cancer patients, and on the tongue in 40 healthy volunteers, using pressure and stretch sensitivity tests.
Description
Oral cancer, particularly squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), represents nearly 90% of all head and neck cancers. Most patients with oral cancer experience functional pain caused by pressure at the cancer site, along with discomfort from stretching during activities like talking, drinking, and swallowing. However, the intensity and nature of this pain can vary significantly among individual patients. Currently, there are no effective treatments available to relieve pain associated with oral cancer. The current hypothesis regarding the cause of oral cancer pain suggests that oral cancers release pa…
Eligibility
- Age range
- 18+ years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Yes
Inclusion Criteria: For healthy subjects to be eligible to participate in this study, an individual must meet all of the following criteria: * Provide signed and dated informed consent form * Willing to comply with all study procedures and be available for the duration of the study * Male or female, at least 18 years of age * In good general health as evidenced by medical history For oral cancer patients to be eligible to participate in this study, an individual must meet all of the following criteria: * Provide signed and dated informed consent form * Willing to comply with all study proc…
Interventions
- BehavioralPressure and stretch sensitivity testing
We will measure pressure sensitivity by applying gradual pressure (50 kPa/s) at the site of testing using a digital pressure algometer. In healthy subjects, we will perform these measurements on the lateral tongue on the left and the right side. In cancer patients, we will first test on the unaffected contralateral matched site and then at the site of the cancer. We will define pressure sensitivity as the mean of three threshold measurements. For measuring stretch sensitivity, we will use a visual analog scale (VAS) recording of pain scores associated with tongue stretching. Participants will be asked to perform tongue range of motions (ROM): protrusion, elevation, right and left lateralization, and rate sensitivity score on the VAS scale after holding the tongue in position for five seconds. We will define stretch sensitivity as the sum of VAS scores for protrusion, elevation, right and left lateralization.
Location
- NYU College of DentistryNew York, New York