The Scheff lab investigates the intersection of cancer biology and neuroimmunity to determine whether therapy targeted to peripheral neurons in the cancer microenvironment can slow tumorigenesis and improve response to therapy. We are currently pursuing three primary projects associated with head and neck cancer: (1) Neuro-immune signaling in the tumor microenvironment: We hypothesize that oral cancer and peripheral neurons interact, such that, oral cancer induces axon sprouting, sensitization and plasticity in sensory and sympathetic neurons, and efferent neuronal activity promotes oral tumorigenesis through immunosuppression. (2) Opioids for pain impair immunotherapy response: We hypothesize that cancer immunosurveillance is impaired by the immunosuppressive actions of exogenous opioids, and peripherally restricted opioid antagonists could be leveraged as a novel therapeutic tactic for cancer treatment. (3) Neuro-immunity in Radiation Therapy: We hypothesize that pain and oral mucositis severity associated with radiation treatment in head and neck cancer are due to the negative synergy of radiation-induced sprouting acting on existing hyperinnervation induced by the tumor.
The goal of our research is to understand plasticity in peripheral neurons associated with cancer and to investigate whether therapy targeted to neurons in the cancer microenvironment can alleviate pain and slow tumorigenesis. The lab executes translational research through collection of patient-reported outcomes and clinical specimens as well as implementation of molecular, electrophysiological and behavioral studies in preclinical mouse models.