Understanding and treating memory problems from prostate cancer therapy
Official title: Therapy-induced cognitive impairment in a rat model of prostate cancer
Funded at University of Texas Hlth Science Center · NIH-11145079 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This research explores why prostate cancer treatment can cause memory and thinking problems, and looks for ways to prevent or reduce these side effects.
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 | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $411,545 |
| NIH project number | 5R01CA285183-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11145079 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
This foundational research is for patients with prostate cancer who are concerned about or experiencing cognitive side effects from androgen deprivation therapy.
✕Less likely to help
Patients not undergoing androgen deprivation therapy for prostate cancer or those without cognitive concerns related to their treatment may not directly benefit from this specific research.
What this research studies
Androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) for prostate cancer can lead to cognitive issues like memory loss and difficulty with executive functions, which significantly impact quality of life. Our previous work in animal models showed that a medication called vortioxetine helped reduce these cognitive problems. Now, we are using a more advanced rat model that includes prostate cancer itself, to better understand how ADT and potential treatments like vortioxetine affect the brain in a way that is closer to what patients experience. This will help us uncover the exact brain changes that cause these side effects and identify new ways to protect brain health during cancer treatment.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new treatments or strategies to prevent or lessen cognitive impairment in prostate cancer patients undergoing androgen deprivation therapy.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies using animal models have shown promising results with similar approaches, indicating that vortioxetine may help mitigate ADT's cognitive effects.
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.
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Investigating cognitive impairment caused by prostate cancer treatment in rats
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.
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Cardiovascular risk planning and reduction for men with prostate cancer
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Improving Neurological Health with Brain Training for Mild Cognitive Impairment (INHANCE-MCI)
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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.
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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.