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Riluzole for Cancer-Related Cognitive Impairment

This study is testing if a drug called Riluzole can help improve thinking and memory problems (cancer-related cognitive impairment or CRCI) in people who have had certain cancers like breast, sarcoma, gastric, lung, or head and neck cancer. Researchers will give participants either Riluzole or a placebo (a pill with no active medicine) and measure changes in a substance in the blood called Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF) after 8 weeks. This study is for adults aged 18 and older who have experienced CRCI. The goal is to see if Riluzole affects this blood marker, which could suggest it helps with cognitive function. The current status of this study is unclear, but it plans to enroll about 75 people.

Study design
This is a Phase 2a pilot study that is randomized and double-blinded, meaning participants will be randomly assigned to receive either Riluzole or a placebo, and neither you nor your doctors will know which you are receiving. The study aims to enroll 75 participants.
What's involved
Not specified in the trial record.
Compensation
Not stated in the trial record.
Follow-up
The primary measurement for this study is taken at 8 weeks.

AI-generated from the public study record. Only the study team can confirm whether you're eligible — confirm details with them before making decisions.

NCT06580002

Repurposing Riluzole for Cancer-Related Cognitive Impairment: A Pilot Trial

Recruiting
PHASE2Ages 18+InterventionalTreatment
University of California, Irvine
~75 participants
Updated 2026-07-14 on ClinicalTrials.gov
What's tested:RiluzolePlacebo

At a glance

Recruiting sites
1 of 1 listed site is recruiting right now
RecruitingSuspended, closed, or not yet open
What they're measuring
Change in circulating Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF) levels over time in cancer survivors experiencing cognitive impairment (CRCI)
Measured over 8 weeks

Conditions

Breast Cancer
Sarcoma
Gastric Cancer
Lung Cancer
Head and Neck Cancer
Colorectal Cancer
Ovarian Cancer
Liver Cancer
Genitourinary Cancer
Gynecologic Cancer
Urinary Bladder Cancer
Leukemia
Lymphoid Leukemia
Myeloma Multiple
Prostate Cancer
Pancreas Cancer
Non-hodgkin Lymphoma
Hodgkin Lymphoma
Brain Cancer
Melanoma
Mycosis Fungoides
Kidney Cancer

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Where it's being run

1 sites across 1 states
California1

Study leadership

  • Alexandre Chan, PharmD, MPH · PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATOR · Chao Family Comprehensive Cancer Center

Who to contact

Chao Family Comprehensive Cancer Center University of California, Irvine
[email protected]
1-877-827-8839
Email the study team

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Do you actually qualify for this trial?

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Eligibility criteria

Inclusion

Breast cancer exposed to treatment including chemotherapy, radiotherapy, surgery and/or other breast cancer interventions.
Non-breast cancer patients exposed to anthracyclines- or platinum-containing chemotherapy within the past 3 years.
Non-breast cancer patients exposed to other anticancer therapies within the past 3 years.
Previously received radiotherapy or radiosurgery to the brain for benign, malignant, or metastatic tumors.
Life expectancy \> 6 months 2. Washout from investigational and conventional interventions is up to the discretion of the investigator. Concurrent participation in another intervention is allowable if judged by the Principal Investigator that this would not be scientifically or medically incompatible with this study. 3. ≥18 years of age 4. Perceived by patient or investigator that cognitive function has worsened since receipt of cranial radiation or cancer treatment. 5. Able to provide informed consent. 6. Literacy in English, Chinese, Korean, Vietnamese, or Spanish, to complete the questionnaires. 7. Patients must agree to complete and be able to complete the questionnaires and computerized assessments used to measure functional outcomes.
Note: Patients who have visual impairment or have degenerative conditions (e.g. Parkinsons's disease, etc.) can participate if they cannot complete computerized assessments, as long as they can still complete the questionnaires with assistance.

Exclusion

History of or current presence of primary brain tumors or brain metastases. 2. Cohort B (prior cranial radiation)
Diagnosed with high grade glioma. 2. Unwilling to undergo neuropsychological assessments necessary for the study. 3. Women who are breastfeeding, pregnant or are planning to get pregnant during the study period. Persons of child-bearing potential (POCBP) must have a negative pregnancy test at screening if there is suspicion of pregnancy.

What this trial measures

  • Change in circulating Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF) levels over time in cancer survivors experiencing cognitive impairment (CRCI)8 weeks

    Comparing mean plasma BDNF values at each patient visit point, including before the intervention, at the midpoint, and at the endpoint of the study.