Investigating cognitive impairment caused by prostate cancer treatment in rats
Official title: Therapy-induced cognitive impairment in a rat model of prostate cancer
Funded at University of Texas Hlth Science Center · NIH-10868648 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a common prostate cancer treatment called androgen deprivation therapy might affect thinking and memory, and it will also test if an antidepressant can help improve these issues.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Texas Hlth Science Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (San Antonio, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2023 |
| Project end | July 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $390,969 |
| NIH project number | 5R01CA285183-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10868648 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are prostate cancer patients who are undergoing or have undergone androgen deprivation therapy.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not receiving androgen deprivation therapy or those with advanced dementia may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research explores how androgen deprivation therapy (ADT), a common treatment for prostate cancer, affects cognitive functions such as memory and executive function. Using a rat model, the study will examine the structural and functional changes in the brain caused by ADT and how these changes may lead to cognitive impairment. The researchers will also investigate the potential of vortioxetine, an antidepressant, to alleviate these cognitive deficits. By introducing cancer pathophysiology into the model, the study aims to better understand the interplay between cancer treatment and cognitive health.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved strategies for mitigating cognitive impairment in prostate cancer survivors undergoing ADT.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown that cognitive impairments related to cancer treatments can be mitigated by certain interventions, suggesting potential for success in this approach.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Texas Hlth Science Center
San Antonio, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Morilak, David a — University of Texas Hlth Science Center
- Study coordinator: Morilak, David a
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Understanding and treating memory problems from prostate cancer therapy
This research explores why prostate cancer treatment can cause memory and thinking problems, and looks for ways to prevent or reduce these side effects.
-
Cardiovascular risk planning and reduction for men with prostate cancer
A program to better predict and reduce heart disease risk in men treated for prostate cancer, especially older patients.
-
Improving Neurological Health with Brain Training for Mild Cognitive Impairment (INHANCE-MCI)
A computer-based brain training program is being tested to help people with mild cognitive impairment maintain thinking skills and daily functioning.
-
Effects of ADT on motivation and emotion in prostate cancer patients
This project looks at how androgen deprivation therapy may affect motivation and mood over time in men with prostate cancer.
-
Causal Protein Markers to Understand and Predict Prostate Cancer Risk in Africans and Europeans
A cancer research project looking at proteins linked to prostate cancer to better understand why it happens and how risk differs between African and European populations.
-
Global picture of dementia risk and memory loss across the world
A large international effort gathers data from many studies to understand how dementia and memory problems develop around the world, using shared information to reveal patterns and risk factors.
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.