Fingolimod and Ozanimod as a new option for chemobrain relief
Official title: Fingolimod and Ozanimod for the treatment and prevention of chemobrain
Funded at Saint Louis University · NIH-11358425 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A patient-focused look at using existing brain-penetrant drugs to help people experience fewer thinking and memory problems after chemotherapy.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Saint Louis University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Saint Louis, United States) |
| Project start | September 2, 2022 |
| Project end | June 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $435,537 |
| NIH project number | 5R01CA261979-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-11358425 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
People with chemotherapy-induced cognitive impairment who have or are at risk for chemobrain could be candidates for future trials or related therapies.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without cognitive symptoms from chemotherapy may not experience direct benefits from this specific approach.
What this research studies
This project explores whether drugs that affect the brain’s immune and energy systems can reduce chemotherapy-related thinking and memory difficulties. Researchers will study how these drugs influence brain cells in models and, if appropriate, in people who have cognitive symptoms after cancer treatment. The work builds on findings that changes in brain lipid signaling and inflammation may drive chemobrain and tests whether blocking a specific brain receptor can protect mitochondria and reduce inflammation. The study plans to translate promising lab results into strategies that could help survivors regain sharper thinking and better quality of life.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, it could lead to new treatments that lessen chemobrain and help cancer survivors think clearly again.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research suggests brain inflammation and mitochondrial dysfunction are linked to chemobrain, and similar strategies have shown promise in early studies but require further testing.
Where this research is happening
-
Saint Louis University
Saint Louis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Salvemini, Daniela — Saint Louis University
- Study coordinator: Salvemini, Daniela
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.