Brain scans to predict and prevent CAR‑T related brain injury in children with B‑ALL
Brain-Imaging Markers of Neurotoxicity and Long-Term Outcomes after CAR-T Cell Therapy
['FUNDING_R01'] · CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL OF LOS ANGELES · NIH-11301859
This project uses brain imaging to find signs that predict and help prevent brain side effects after CD19 CAR‑T therapy for children with relapsed or refractory B‑cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL OF LOS ANGELES (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (LOS ANGELES, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11301859 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
If your child is getting CD19 CAR‑T for relapsed B‑ALL, doctors will take brain scans before and after treatment to look for signs that predict a neurotoxicity called ICANS. The team will combine imaging and clinical data to build a computer algorithm that flags children at higher risk so clinicians can monitor them more closely, offer preventive treatments, or adapt CAR‑T dosing. They will also follow thinking, memory, and other cognitive skills over time to see whether ICANS leads to lasting problems. The goal is to make CAR‑T safer for children and reduce long‑term brain effects.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Children with relapsed or refractory B‑cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia who are scheduled to receive CD19-directed CAR‑T therapy and can come to the study center.
Not a fit: Patients who are not receiving CD19 CAR‑T therapy (including adults or those with different cancers) are unlikely to benefit directly from this work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could help prevent serious brain side effects and reduce lasting thinking and learning problems after CAR‑T in children.
How similar studies have performed: Early studies and the team's preliminary data suggest imaging markers can predict ICANS, but using scans to guide prevention and predict long‑term outcomes is still relatively new.
Where this research is happening
LOS ANGELES, UNITED STATES
- CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL OF LOS ANGELES — LOS ANGELES, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: BANSAL, RAVI — CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL OF LOS ANGELES
- Study coordinator: BANSAL, RAVI
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Conditions: Acquired brain injury