Can a common supplement fight chemo brain? new trial aims to find out

NCT ID NCT04520139

Recruiting now Symptom relief Sponsor: University of California, Irvine Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 26, 2026 · Last updated Jul 17, 2026 · Updated 2 times

Summary

This study tests whether N-Acetyl-Cysteine (NAC), a supplement, can reduce chemotherapy-related cognitive impairment (often called 'chemo brain') in ovarian cancer patients. About 102 postmenopausal women with advanced ovarian cancer receiving platinum-based chemotherapy will take NAC or a placebo. The trial has two phases: first to find the safest dose, then to see if it helps thinking and memory.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance: N-Acetyl-Cysteine (NAC)
What this could lead to: If it works, this could point toward a way to prevent or reduce 'chemo brain' in ovarian cancer patients receiving platinum-based chemotherapy.
What could go wrong: This is an early-phase trial (phase 1/2) with only 102 participants, so results may not apply broadly. NAC may not improve cognitive symptoms and could cause side effects.

This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

Chemotherapy-Related Cognitive Impairment Cognitive Dysfunction fallopian tube cancer ovarian cancer ovarian carcinoma primary peritoneal carcinoma

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

COGNITIVE IMPAIRMENT OVARIAN CANCER

Contacts and locations

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Study contacts

Contact

Email: •••••@•••••

Locations

Chao Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California, Irvine
RECRUITING

Orange, California, 92868, United States

Contact Email: •••••@•••••

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