Neurotrophic strategy to reduce chemo-related brain injury
Official title: Neurotrophic strategy to mitigate chemotherapy-related brain injury
Funded at University of California-Irvine · NIH-11377064 · Data updated 2026-11-12
Aims to help people who have had chemotherapy feel and think more clearly by boosting brain support and repair mechanisms.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California-Irvine NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Irvine, United States) |
| Project start | September 6, 2023 |
| Project end | August 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $478,621 |
| NIH project number | 5R01CA276212-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11377064 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults with a history of breast cancer who have experienced chemotherapy-related cognitive impairment or are at risk due to chemotherapy exposure.
✕Less likely to help
Individuals without chemotherapy exposure or without cognitive symptoms related to cancer treatment may not benefit.
What this research studies
This project focuses on addressing cognitive problems that many breast cancer survivors experience after chemotherapy. It builds on prior findings that a key brain protein, BDNF, is reduced by doxorubicin and may contribute to memory and attention difficulties. The team plans to test regenerative approaches to restore brain function and improve cognitive outcomes in patients affected by chemotherapy-related brain injury. If successful, this work could pave the way for therapies that protect or repair the brain during or after cancer treatment. The study combines human data with animal models to understand how to promote brain healing in the context of cancer therapy.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, patients could experience improved cognitive function and quality of life after chemotherapy.
How similar studies have gone: Prior studies have shown that BDNF-related pathways are linked to cognitive outcomes and that regenerative approaches may support brain repair, suggesting potential but still early evidence.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California-Irvine
Irvine, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Chan, Alexandre — University of California-Irvine
- Study coordinator: Chan, Alexandre
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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.