Understanding how methotrexate affects brain health in children with cancer
Official title: Mechanistic Study of Methotrexate-Induced Oxidative Distress in Neurons and the CSF
Funded at Boston Children's Hospital · NIH-11089458 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how the chemotherapy drug methotrexate, used to treat childhood leukemia, might affect thinking and memory, often called 'chemobrain', and aims to find ways to help prevent or treat these side effects for kids undergoing treatment.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Boston Children's Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | June 1, 2024 |
| Project end | May 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $700,288 |
| NIH project number | 5R01CA282477-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11089458 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are pediatric cancer patients receiving methotrexate as part of their treatment regimen.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not undergoing chemotherapy or those receiving treatments other than methotrexate may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the neurocognitive side effects of methotrexate, a common chemotherapy drug used in treating childhood leukemia. It focuses on understanding the molecular mechanisms behind chemotherapy-induced cognitive impairments, often referred to as 'chemobrain'. By analyzing cerebrospinal fluid from treated patients and animal models, the study aims to identify metabolic changes and oxidative distress caused by the drug. The ultimate goal is to develop preventive strategies or treatments to mitigate these harmful effects on brain function.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved strategies for preventing or treating cognitive impairments in children undergoing chemotherapy.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding chemotherapy-related cognitive impairments, but this specific focus on methotrexate's mechanisms is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
Boston Children's Hospital
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kanarek, Naama — Boston Children's Hospital
- Study coordinator: Kanarek, Naama
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.