Preventing ‘chemo brain’ with antioxidants targeting spinal fluid

Up to three quarters of patients receiving cancer chemotherapy suffer from “chemo brain” — a long-term side effect that makes it harder to remember things, maintain attention, and learn new information. When it strikes children, whose brains are still developing, their schoolwork and self-esteem may suffer. In a study published in the journal Neuron on September 6, collaborators Maria Lehtinen, PhD and Naama Kanarek, PhD, in the Department of Pathology at Boston Children’s Hospital, take a first step in that direction. Their vision: treating the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) that bathes the brain and spinal cord to protect the brain from chemotherapy’s toxic effects.

Gabrielle’s Angels is proud to have funded this research through Dr. Kanarek’s lab. Read the full article here!