Using memantine to protect children's cognitive function during brain radiation therapy
Utility of memantine in preventing cognitive dysfunction in children receiving cranial radiotherapy
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 ID | NIH-11077359 on NIH RePORTER |
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.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are children aged 4-18 who are scheduled to receive cranial radiotherapy for primary central nervous system tumors.
Not a fit: Patients who are not undergoing cranial radiotherapy or are outside the age range of 4-18 years may not benefit from this research.
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 performed: 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
Rochester, United States
- Mayo Clinic Rochester — Rochester, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Laack, Nadia N — Mayo Clinic Rochester
- Study coordinator: Laack, Nadia N
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.