HOUSTON: Researchers have identified a possible new approach to treating chronic nerve pain by targeting a protein already well known for its role in cancer.
Scientists at the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center investigated BRAF, a protein involved in cell signalling and commonly targeted in cancer treatment. Their research suggests that BRAF also plays an important role in maintaining abnormal pain signals following nerve injury.
In preclinical experiments, researchers found that blocking BRAF reduced abnormal sensitivity to touch, pressure and heat in models of nerve injury.
The team also investigated BRAF and MEK inhibitors, a class of medicines already used to treat certain cancers. The results suggested that these drugs could interfere with pain pathways activated after nerve damage.
Chronic neuropathic pain can occur after injuries or diseases affecting the nerves and can be difficult to treat with existing medicines. Researchers say identifying a new biological target could eventually lead to more effective therapies.
However, the findings remain at the preclinical stage. The drugs have not been established as treatments for chronic nerve pain in humans, and further studies will be required to assess safety, effectiveness and appropriate dosing.
