Understanding how brain inflammation affects cognitive decline after radiation therapy
Glial immune signaling in radiation-induced brain injury
['FUNDING_R01'] · UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA-IRVINE · NIH-10892208
This study is looking at how radiation therapy for brain cancer affects thinking and memory by exploring how certain brain cells react to the treatment, and it's designed to help people who have undergone this therapy understand the changes they might experience.
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-10892208 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
This research investigates the impact of cranial radiation therapy (CRT) on cognitive function, particularly focusing on how glial cells in the brain respond to radiation-induced injury. The study aims to uncover the molecular and cellular mechanisms that lead to cognitive impairments following CRT, which is commonly used to treat brain cancers. By examining the roles of microglia and astrocytes, the research seeks to identify how these cells contribute to neuroinflammation and cognitive decline. The approach includes using rodent models to analyze changes in brain signaling and inflammation after radiation exposure.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are adults over 21 years old who have received cranial radiation therapy for central nervous system cancers.
Not a fit: Patients who have not undergone cranial radiation therapy or those with cognitive impairments from other causes may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapeutic strategies to mitigate cognitive decline in patients undergoing radiation therapy for brain cancer.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown that targeting glial cell signaling can improve cognitive outcomes in models of brain injury, suggesting potential for success in this area.
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.
Conditions: Acquired brain injury, Alzheimer disease dementia, Alzheimer syndrome