Cancer drugs show promise against chronic nerve pain in new study
Researchers at MD Anderson Cancer Centre have identified that the BRAF protein, commonly associated with cancer, may also play a role in chronic nerve pain. While existing cancer drugs that block BRAF show promise in preclinical models, experts emphasize that human clinical trials are necessary to confirm safety and efficacy.
Why it matters
Repurposing existing cancer medications for neuropathic pain could provide a faster, more effective treatment pathway for patients who currently lack relief.
Chronic nerve pain can be difficult to treat. Unlike pain caused by a temporary injury, neuropathic pain can continue for months or even years after the original nerve damage has occurred. For many people, commonly used pain medicines provide limited relief, while some treatments can cause side effects that affect everyday life.Now, researchers have identified a possible new pathway involved in chronic nerve pain. A study from researchers at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Centre has found that a protein called BRAF, which is already well known for its role in cancer, may also play an important part in increasing pain signals after nerve injury.The findings are particularly interesting because medicines that block BRAF are already used in cancer treatment. In experiments involving preclinical models, blocking BRAF signalling reduced sensitivity to pain.
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