Protecting young brains from radiation-related thinking and memory problems
Developmental regulation of apoptosis as a modifiable driver of radiotherapy-induced neurocognitive impairment in pediatric patients
Trying ways to prevent long-term thinking, memory, and learning problems in children who get radiation to the brain by changing how cells die during development.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R37 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Harvard University D/b/a Harvard School of Public Health NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11306548 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This project looks at why radiation to the developing brain often causes lasting problems with learning, memory, vision, and coordination in children. Researchers focus on programmed cell death (apoptosis) and the proteins that control it to find steps that make developing brain cells unusually vulnerable to radiation. Using lab models and analyses that link developmental biology to treatment effects, the team aims to find targets that could be modified to protect children’s brains during cancer therapy. The hope is to turn those findings into treatments or strategies that lower the risk of neurocognitive harm after radiation.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Children (especially very young children) receiving cranial radiation for central nervous system tumors such as medulloblastoma would be the main group who could benefit or be eligible for related future trials.
Not a fit: People who do not receive brain radiation or whose symptoms are caused purely by other treatments or conditions are unlikely to benefit directly from this work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to ways to lower the risk of long-term cognitive and learning disabilities in childhood brain tumor survivors.
How similar studies have performed: Preclinical studies suggest that changing apoptosis can protect developing brain cells from damage, but translating this approach to children is largely untested and remains novel.
Where this research is happening
Boston, United States
- Harvard University D/b/a Harvard School of Public Health — Boston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Sarosiek, Kristopher Andrew — Harvard University D/b/a Harvard School of Public Health
- Study coordinator: Sarosiek, Kristopher Andrew
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.