Can Rapamycin Improve Cognitive Problems Caused by Chemotherapy?
Abstract
Although advances in treatment have increased survival for breast cancer and other common cancers, many challenges remain. Although life-saving, chemotherapy treatments can be very harsh, and unpleasant side effects are common. Some of these side effects are temporary and well-tolerated by patients, while others may be lasting and negatively impact the quality of life during and after treatment. One commonly reported side effect of chemotherapy in breast cancer patients is chemobrain or chemofog , terms used to describe cognitive problems caused by treatment. These cognitive problems can be mild or severe, and may be long-lasting or even permanent in some patients. Problems in thinking, concentration, learning and memory are generally very distressing to patients and survivors and dramatically affect their quality of life. Finding drugs or other treatments which can prevent or alleviate chemotherapy-induced cognitive problems is an important goal which will dramatically impact the lives of cancer patients. Rapamycin is an FDA-approved drug currently used in transplant patients for immunosuppression. Rapamycin and related drugs work by partially inhibiting the activity of the mTOR protein kinase, which regulates virtually every cellular metabolic process. Rapamycin is relatively safe and well-tolerated in human patients. Rapamycin has been shown to have beneficial cognitive effects in a mouse model of Alzheimer s disease and in non-mutant mice as well (Spillman et al, 2010). Therefore, we proposed that rapamycin treatment may help prevent or improve cognitive problems caused by chemotherapy treatments.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- May 01, 2012
- Accession Number
- ADA565187
Entities
People
- Barbara A Christy
Organizations
- University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio