Using memantine to protect children's cognitive function during brain radiation therapy
Official title: Utility of memantine in preventing cognitive dysfunction in children receiving cranial radiotherapy
Funded at Mayo Clinic Rochester · NIH-11077359 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at whether giving memantine, a medication that helps protect the brain, can help kids aged 4-18 keep their thinking skills sharp while they receive radiation treatment for brain tumors.
Quick facts
| Grant type | U01 cooperative agreement |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Mayo Clinic Rochester NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Rochester, United States) |
| Project start | September 18, 2019 |
| Project end | December 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $287,216 |
| NIH project number | 5U01CA246568-06 |
| Project ID | NIH-11077359 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are children aged 4-18 who are scheduled to receive cranial radiotherapy for primary central nervous system tumors.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not undergoing cranial radiotherapy or are outside the age range of 4-18 years may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates whether administering memantine, a medication known for its neuroprotective properties, can help prevent cognitive decline in children aged 4-18 who are undergoing cranial radiotherapy for brain tumors. Participants will receive either memantine or a placebo daily for six months, and their cognitive function will be assessed over a year. The study also aims to correlate the effects of memantine with imaging biomarkers to better understand its protective mechanisms. By focusing on children, the research addresses a critical need to mitigate the cognitive side effects associated with life-saving treatments.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly improve cognitive outcomes for children undergoing treatment for brain tumors.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown that memantine can effectively reduce cognitive dysfunction in adults receiving brain radiotherapy, suggesting potential for success in this pediatric population.
Where this research is happening
-
Mayo Clinic Rochester
Rochester, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Laack, Nadia N — Mayo Clinic Rochester
- Study coordinator: Laack, Nadia N
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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.