Investigating brain imaging markers to understand neurotoxicity after CAR-T cell therapy
Official title: Brain-Imaging Markers of Neurotoxicity and Long-Term Outcomes after CAR-T Cell Therapy
Funded at Children's Hospital of Los Angeles · NIH-11053577 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how CAR-T cell therapy for kids with tough-to-treat leukemia might affect their brains, and it aims to find ways to predict who might experience problems so that doctors can better help those at risk and keep their thinking skills safe.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Children's Hospital of Los Angeles NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Los Angeles, United States) |
| Project start | April 1, 2023 |
| Project end | March 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $704,305 |
| NIH project number | 5R01CA274137-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11053577 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are children aged 0-11 years who are receiving CAR-T cell therapy for B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not undergoing CAR-T cell therapy or those with other types of leukemia may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding the neurotoxic effects that can occur after CAR-T cell therapy for children with relapsed or refractory B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). It aims to identify brain imaging markers that can predict the risk of neurotoxicity, known as Immune effector Cell-Associated Neurotoxicity Syndrome (ICANS), which affects cognitive function and can lead to serious complications. By developing a predictive algorithm based on these imaging markers, the study seeks to improve monitoring and treatment strategies for high-risk patients, potentially reducing the incidence of long-term cognitive impairments. The approach combines advanced neuroimaging techniques with clinical assessments to create a comprehensive understanding of the risks associated with CAR-T therapy.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved monitoring and treatment strategies that minimize neurotoxic effects in children undergoing CAR-T cell therapy.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promising results in using neuroimaging markers to predict neurotoxic effects in similar therapies, indicating a potential for success in this approach.
Where this research is happening
-
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
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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.