Could a dementia drug shield kids' brains from radiation damage?
NCT ID NCT03194906
First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026
Summary
This pilot study tested whether memantine, a drug used for dementia in adults, could help prevent memory and thinking problems in children receiving brain radiation for tumors like glioma or craniopharyngioma. 41 children aged 6-21 took either memantine or a placebo during radiation. The goal was to see if the study was feasible and if memantine could protect cognitive function. Results are still being analyzed.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only, not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- Memantine (a drug used for dementia in adults)
- What this could lead to
- If it works, this could point toward a way to reduce thinking and memory problems in children after brain radiation.
- What could go wrong
- This is a very early pilot study with only 41 children, so results may not be conclusive. Memantine is not yet approved for children, and side effects are possible.
This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.
Study facts
What this study's own registry entry says, in plain language.
- Phase
-
Phase 2
Tests whether the treatment actually works, and watches for side effects, in a larger group.
- Participants
-
41 people
The number who actually took part.
- Started
-
Nov 2017
- Finished
-
Jun 2023
- Lead sponsor
-
Other sponsor
The registry's catch-all category, for sponsors it does not file as a company, a government agency, or a research network.
Who can take part
This study's own entry requirements. Only the study team can say for certain whether you qualify.
- Ages
-
6 to 21 years
- Sex
-
Anyone
- Healthy volunteers
-
Not accepted
This study is not open to healthy volunteers. The entry requirements below say who it is open to.
Show the full entry requirements Hide the full entry requirements
Copied word for word from the study's registry entry, so the wording is the study team's rather than ours.
Inclusion Criteria: * Age 6 years to 21 years at time of study enrollment * Diagnosis of localized low grade glioma \[e.g., pilocytic astrocytoma, optic pathway glioma, ogligodendroglioma, ganglioglioma, pleomorphic xanthoastrocytoma (PXA)\], craniopharyngioma, ependymoma, or germ cell tumor * Initiating focal cranial radiation therapy (photon or proton) * Laboratory tests \[transaminases (ALT, AST, ALP), BUN and creatinine not greater than twice normal\] and normal ECG * Speak, read and understand English sufficiently to complete study assessments * Adequate vision and hearing for valid completion of study measures * Negative βHCG pregnancy test among females of childbearing age * Participant must be able to swallow pills (psychology staff will be available to assist with pill swallowing training if needed) * Parent/Legal guardian available and able to speak, read and understand English Exclusion Criteria: * Medical disorder that would endanger subject's well-being (e.g., uncorrected hypothyroidism, cardiac arrhythmia, hypertension requiring treatment, sick sinus syndrome, prolonged QTc) * History of significant neurological disease including poorly controlled seizures (i.e., \> 1 seizure per month; anti-epileptic medications are acceptable), stroke, or head injury with loss of consciousness * Psychiatric condition that would preclude or take precedence over study participation (e.g., active psychosis, suicidal ideation) * IQ below 70 based on baseline/screening assessment * Treatment with psychotropic medication (psychostimulant, antidepressant, anxiolytic, antipsychotic) within the past two weeks, unless being prescribed specifically as an anti-emetic * History of substance abuse * History of hypersensitivity or reaction to NMDA receptor antagonists * History of prior cranial radiation therapy
Get updates
Get notified about this study
Sign up to get updates when this study changes or when new studies for Craniopharyngioma are added.
Genom att skicka in godkänner du våra Användarvillkor
Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
Locations
-
St. Jude Children's Research Hospital
Memphis, Tennessee, 38105, United States
More trials for these conditions
Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.
- Radioactive gel aimed straight at childhood brain tumors
- Brain tumor or aneurysm first? study weighs the safer sequence
- Could dropping one chemo drug improve life for young brain tumor patients?
- Can a faster chemo schedule beat tough testicular cancer?
- Brain surgery safety: live signal monitoring may shield speech, movement, and sight
- Can a Nose-Route surgery remove skull base tumors more safely?