- Novel treatment using resiniferatoxin (RTX) reduces severe, treatment-resistant cancer pain.
- RTX selectively targets pain-transmitting neurons, with potential applications in other challenging pain conditions.
- Patients in a first-in-human trial reported significant reductions in pain intensity and opioid use.
- RTX activates the transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 (TRPV1) ion channel, causing calcium influx into pain-transmitting neurons.
- The therapy's effects were durable following a single administration.
- Larger clinical trials are planned to evaluate safety and effectiveness, with potential for seeking FDA approval.
Source: NEJM Evidence
