Identifying brain development issues in children undergoing chemotherapy for leukemia
Identifying markers of abnormal neurocognitive trajectories during chemotherapy treatment of childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia
This study is looking at how chemotherapy for childhood leukemia might impact brain development and thinking skills in kids, so we can find ways to help them avoid any learning challenges later on.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R37 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Arkansas Children's Hospital Res Inst NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Little Rock, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10919181 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates how chemotherapy for childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) affects brain development and cognitive functions in young patients. By assessing neurocognitive changes during treatment, the study aims to identify specific markers that indicate altered brain development. The approach includes neurocognitive evaluations and neuroimaging to track changes over time, providing insights into the timing and extent of neurotoxic effects. The ultimate goal is to develop strategies for remediation and prevention of cognitive difficulties in survivors.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are children aged 0-11 years who are currently undergoing chemotherapy for acute lymphoblastic leukemia.
Not a fit: Patients who are not undergoing treatment for acute lymphoblastic leukemia or are older than 11 years may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved strategies for mitigating cognitive impairments in children treated for leukemia, enhancing their quality of life.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown that assessing neurocognitive outcomes in childhood cancer survivors can provide valuable insights, suggesting that this approach may yield significant findings.
Where this research is happening
Little Rock, United States
- Arkansas Children's Hospital Res Inst — Little Rock, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Van Der Plas, Ellen — Arkansas Children's Hospital Res Inst
- Study coordinator: Van Der Plas, Ellen
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.