Lay summary
Our recent research and work from elsewhere have greatly improved understanding of mechanisms of nerve damage from cancer chemotherapy with oxaliplatin. It has provided new insights into the critical roles of a family of membrane proteins called OCTs in processes whereby nerve cells inadvertently accumulate high levels of oxaliplatin and become damaged during cancer chemotherapy. It has prepared us in readiness for undertaking the very first clinical trial to evaluate treatment designed for targeting nerve cell transporters for the purpose of reducing the side-effects of chemotherapy. We anticipate that such treatments will help people complete the treatment they require for controlling or curing their cancer, without suffering long-term neurological side-effects. Early career clinicians and scientists will undertake research training as part of this project.