How cancer treatments affect brain function in children and adults
Official title: Molecular and cellular mechanisms of neuronal damage caused by anticancer therapies
Funded at Baylor College of Medicine · NIH-11034124 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how radiation treatment for cancer affects brain health and thinking skills in both kids and adults, with the goal of finding ways to help cancer survivors keep their minds sharp.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Baylor College of Medicine NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Houston, United States) |
| Project start | March 1, 2024 |
| Project end | February 28, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $623,067 |
| NIH project number | 5R01CA283569-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11034124 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include children and adults who have received CNS radiotherapy as part of their cancer treatment.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who have not undergone CNS radiotherapy or those with other unrelated cognitive impairments may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the long-term effects of cancer treatments, specifically CNS radiotherapy, on brain function in both children and adults. It focuses on understanding how radiation impacts neuronal health and cognitive abilities, particularly looking at changes in neuronal structure and function. By examining the mechanisms of neuronal damage, the study aims to identify potential interventions that could mitigate cognitive decline in cancer survivors. The research utilizes a combination of cellular and molecular techniques to explore these effects in detail.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved strategies for preserving cognitive function in cancer survivors who undergo radiotherapy.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that understanding the mechanisms of radiation-induced cognitive decline can lead to effective interventions, indicating that this approach has potential for success.
Where this research is happening
-
Baylor College of Medicine
Houston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Duman, Joseph G — Baylor College of Medicine
- Study coordinator: Duman, Joseph G
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.