Riluzole for Cognitive Dysfunction in Cancer

This trial tests whether riluzole can prevent memory and thinking problems in cancer patients receiving certain types of chemotherapy. Participants will take either riluzole, a medication, or a placebo, a pill with no active ingredients, for up to six months. The trial targets individuals diagnosed with cancer who are beginning chemotherapy that includes specific drugs like anthracycline or platinum. Those concerned about cognitive issues from treatment may find this trial suitable. As a Phase 2 trial, the research focuses on measuring the treatment's effectiveness in an initial, smaller group, providing an opportunity to contribute to important findings.

You may need to stop taking certain medications if they interact with the trial drug, riluzole. Specifically, if you are taking pixantrone, abametapir, cannabis, capmatinib, lapatinib, methotrexate, or levoketoconazole, you might need to stop these medications. It's best to discuss your current medications with the trial team.

Research has shown that riluzole is generally safe and well-tolerated. The FDA has already approved it for another condition, providing doctors with extensive safety information. In previous studies, patients taking riluzole experienced few serious side effects. Common side effects include tiredness and dizziness, but these are usually mild and temporary. Importantly, riluzole has also been tested in cancer patients for similar reasons, and those studies confirmed its safety. Overall, evidence suggests that riluzole is safe for people, with manageable side effects.¹²³⁴⁵

Riluzole is unique because it targets cognitive dysfunction in cancer patients by modulating glutamate activity in the brain. Unlike traditional treatments which often focus on managing symptoms with therapies like cognitive rehabilitation or medications primarily designed for other conditions, riluzole works by reducing excessive glutamate, a neurotransmitter that can contribute to cognitive issues when present in high amounts. Researchers are excited about riluzole because it offers a new approach that could directly address the underlying neurobiological causes of cognitive dysfunction, potentially improving mental clarity and quality of life for cancer patients in a way that current options do not.

Research has shown that riluzole might help prevent cognitive problems in people receiving chemotherapy. In studies with mice, those treated with riluzole after chemotherapy performed better on memory tests. This improvement correlated with higher levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), a protein that supports brain health. Riluzole, already approved for other uses, is believed to reduce brain inflammation, protecting against memory and thinking issues. This trial will evaluate riluzole's effectiveness in maintaining cognitive function in cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy, with participants receiving either riluzole or a placebo.²⁴⁶⁷⁸