Protecting the Nervous System from Chemotherapy Side Effects
Targeting p38/JNK MAPK to ameliorate cisplatin-induced adverse sequelae on the nervous system
This project looks for new ways to protect the brain and nerves from damage caused by certain cancer treatments, like cisplatin.
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 ID | NIH-11124921 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Many women undergoing chemotherapy for ovarian cancer experience difficult side effects like "chemobrain" (memory and thinking problems), nerve damage, and balance issues. These problems, which can significantly impact daily life, currently have no approved treatments. This project aims to find a solution by targeting specific pathways in nerve cells that are activated by chemotherapy. By blocking these pathways, researchers hope to prevent nerve cell damage and reduce these challenging side effects.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Patients undergoing chemotherapy with platinum agents like cisplatin, who are at risk for or experiencing "chemobrain" or nerve damage, would be the target beneficiaries of this research.
Not a fit: Patients not receiving chemotherapy agents known to cause these specific neurotoxic side effects would likely not benefit from this particular approach.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new treatments that significantly reduce debilitating nerve damage and cognitive issues for cancer patients receiving chemotherapy, improving their quality of life.
How similar studies have performed: Preliminary laboratory data suggest that blocking these specific pathways can prevent nerve cell damage caused by cisplatin, indicating a promising, though early, approach.
Where this research is happening
Irvine, United States
- University of California-Irvine — Irvine, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Bota, Daniela Annenelie — University of California-Irvine
- Study coordinator: Bota, Daniela Annenelie
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.