TRUSTEES OF INDIANA UNIVERSITY
Grant: $358,757 - National Institutes of Health - Sep. 10, 2009
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Award Description: Among the numerous side effects of cancer treatments, neurotoxicity occurs frequently and represents a significant clinical problem. Whether treatment regimens involve anticancer drugs, ionizing radiation (IR), or both, these treatment strategies designed to target cancer cells are commonly associated with harmful effects to the central nervous system and peripheral nervous system. Although it is assumed that 'chemobrain occurs secondary to chemotherapy, mechanisms for this side-effect and ways to protect neurons remains to be elucidated. The development of any neuroprotective strategy will critically depend on the identification of the exact mechanisms underlying the neurotoxicity. Our group plans to continue our studies to ascertain the mechanisms underlying neurotoxicity; cognitive dysfunction and peripheral neuropathy that occur as toxic side effects of cancer therapy. We will expand on our current work by implementing methods to examine interventions that will reverse behavioral effects of cancer therapies in animal models of cognition. The issue of cognitive dysfunction after cancer therapy (chemobrain) is receiving much attention and is now recognized as a significant side effect of therapy (see Dietrich et al., The Oncologist 2008;13:1285–1295: Clinical Patterns and Biological Correlates of Cognitive Dysfunction Associated with Cancer Therapy). Additionally, the problem has been discussed in a recent report in the NCI Cancer Bulletin (March 2009): Delving Into Possible Mechanisms for Chemobrain. Early studies of patients’ cognitive functioning after chemotherapy estimated that the number of survivors with chemotherapy associated cognitive changes ranged from 17 percent to 75 percent!
Project Description: Our group plans to continue our studies to ascertain the mechanisms underlying neurotoxicity; cognitive dysfunction and peripheral neuropathy that occur as toxic side effects of cancer therapy. We will expand on our current work by implementing methods to examine interventions that will reverse behavioral effects of cancer therapies in animal models of cognition. The issue of cognitive dysfunction after cancer therapy (chemobrain) is receiving much attention and is now recognized as a significant side effect of therapy (see Dietrich et al., The Oncologist 2008;13:1285–1295: Clinical Patterns and Biological Correlates of Cognitive Dysfunction Associated with Cancer Therapy). Additionally, the problem has been discussed in a recent report in the NCI Cancer Bulletin (March 2009): Delving Into Possible Mechanisms for Chemobrain. Early studies of patients’ cognitive functioning after chemotherapy estimated that the number of survivors with chemotherapy associated cognitive changes ranged from 17 percent to 75 percent!
Jobs Summary: Research/Associate (Total jobs reported: 0)
Project Status: Less Than 50% Completed
This award's data was last updated on Sep. 10, 2009. Help expand these official descriptions using the wiki below.
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