Stem cell exosomes to ease thinking and memory problems after chemotherapy
Stem cell-derived exosomes to ameliorate chemobrain
['FUNDING_R01'] · UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA-IRVINE · NIH-11262900
Looks at whether tiny particles from human neural stem cells (exosomes) can reduce memory and thinking problems after chemotherapy in adults.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA-IRVINE (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (IRVINE, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11262900 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
This project develops tiny particles called exosomes made from human neural stem cells as a potential therapy for 'chemobrain,' the thinking and memory problems some adults get after chemotherapy. Researchers will test these exosomes in laboratory models that mimic the brain changes seen after common chemotherapy drugs and measure effects on memory, neuronal structure, and brain inflammation. The team will use human neural stem cell–derived extracellular vesicles and track whether they reverse cognitive deficits and reduce neuroinflammation seen after treatments like cyclophosphamide or Adriamycin. If lab results are encouraging, the work could support future safety and early human trials aimed at improving long-term cognitive quality of life for cancer survivors.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults (age 21 and older) who have received adjuvant chemotherapy and are experiencing new or worsening memory, attention, or thinking problems would be the most likely candidates.
Not a fit: People whose cognitive problems are unrelated to chemotherapy (for example caused by Alzheimer’s disease, active brain tumors, or prior brain radiation) or people under 21 are unlikely to benefit from this specific approach.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could lessen memory and thinking problems after chemotherapy and improve long-term quality of life for cancer survivors.
How similar studies have performed: Preclinical studies by this team and others have shown that stem cells or their exosomes can reduce chemo-induced cognitive and inflammatory changes in animal and lab models, but human clinical evidence is still lacking.
Where this research is happening
IRVINE, UNITED STATES
- UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA-IRVINE — IRVINE, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: ACHARYA, MUNJAL M — UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA-IRVINE
- Study coordinator: ACHARYA, MUNJAL M
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.