LAUSR

BACKGROUND Radiotherapy is an important treatment option for central nervous system malignancies. However, cranial radiation induces hippocampal dysfunction and white matter injury; this leads to cognitive dysfunction, and results in a reduced quality of life in patients. Excitatory glutamate signaling through N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors (NMDARs) plays a central role both in hippocampal neurogenesis and in the myelination of oligodendrocytes in the cerebrum. METHODS We will provide the method for quantifying neurogenesis in human subjects in live brain during the cancer therapy. Neuroimaging using behavioral task we originally create, to examine human hippocampal memory pathway in patients with brain disorders. RESULTS Treatment with memantine, a non-competitive NMDAR antagonist, reversed impairment in hippocampal pattern separation networks as detected by functional magnetic resonance imaging. Hyperbaric preconditioning of the patients just before radiotherapy with memantine most reversed white matter injury as detected by whole brain analysis with Tract-Based Spatial Statics. Neuromodulation combined with the administration of hyperbaric oxygen therapy and memantine during radiotherapy facilitated the restoration of hippocampal function and white matter integrity, and improved higher cognitive function in patients receiving cranial radiation. CONCLUSIONS The method for therapy and diagnosis of hippocampal function we developed can be applicable to the patients received cranial radiation to restore the cognitive decline. The monitoring can be followed during the therapy that production of new neurons by which ability of pattern separation is increased, then recovery of pattern completion, followed by new score elevation.