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Memantine and Exercise to Improve Cognitive Function and Modulate Biological Pathways of Cognitive Decline During Chemotherapy in Breast Cancer
Who can join
Ages 18 and older · Women
Full eligibility criteria
Inclusion Criteria: In order to participate in the study a subject must meet all of the eligibility criteria outlined below. * Female * Age ≥ 18 years at the time of consent. * Stage I-III Breast Cancer * Recommended chemotherapy * Enroll prior to 3rd cycle of chemotherapy * English-speaking Exclusion Criteria: * Allergy to memantine * Previous chemotherapy (prior to the current regimen), * Severe cognitive impairment, defined by Blessed Orientation Memory Concentration Test Score ≥11 * Myocardial infarction in the last 6 months * Cardiovascular or orthopedic limitations to exercise * Severe mental illness (i.e., schizophrenia or bipolar affective disorder) * Current alcohol or drug abuse * Inability to swallow capsules \</= 5mL/min * CrCl \</= 5mL/min
About the study
This randomized, placebo-controlled trial aims to assess the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary efficacy of memantine and the University of Carolina (UNC)'s Get Real \& Heel cancer exercise program (MEM+EX) in addressing cancer-related cognitive impairment (CRCI) and underlying CRCI biomarkers. Ninety stage I-III breast cancer patients during chemotherapy will be randomized into three groups: MEM+EX, memantine, or placebo. The study will evaluate recruitment, retention, adherence, acceptability, cognitive function, brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), inflammatory markers, and frailty at multiple time points.
What is being tested
- Memantine (drug)
- Placebo medication (drug)
- Exercise Intervention (other)
- Exercise Control (other)
Sponsor: UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center · Participants: 90 · Started: Aug 19, 2025
Contact the study team
- Ashley M Hanson · Phone: +1 984-888-9244
Official record on ClinicalTrials.gov — NCT06727773
Locations in the U.S.
| North Carolina | Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center at University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill |
Conditions
From ClinicalTrials.gov, data retrieved Sep 30, 2026. Each study sets its own eligibility; the study team decides who can join.