Lovastatin as treatment for neurocognitive deficits in neurofibromatosis type 1: phase I study.

Abstract

In a neurofibromatosis type 1 murine model, treatment with lovastatin reversed cognitive disabilities. We report on a phase I study examining the safety and tolerability of lovastatin in children with neurofibromatosis type 1. Twenty-four children with neurofibromatosis type 1 underwent a dose-escalation protocol for 3 months to identify the maximum tolerated dose and potential toxicity. Minimal side effects were evident, and no child experienced dose-limiting toxicity. Cognitive evaluations were completed before and after treatment, and the results suggested improvement in areas of verbal and nonverbal memory. Additional analyses, using reliable change indices, indicated improvements exceeding those of test-retest or practice effects in some participants. These observations may be analogous to the improvements observed in a neurofibromatosis type 1 murine model treated with lovastatin, although further study and replication are required. The safety and preliminary cognitive results support the need for a larger phase II trial in this population.

• Authors: Maria T Acosta, Peter G Kardel, Karin S Walsh, Kenneth N Rosenbaum, Gerard A Gioia, Roger J Packer
• Journal: Pediatric neurology (Pediatr Neurol) Vol. 45 Issue 4 Pg. 241-5 (Oct 2011) ISSN: 1873-5150 [Electronic] United States
• PMID: 21907886 (Publication Type: Clinical Trial, Phase I, Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)
• Copyright: Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Chemical References

• Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors
• Lovastatin

Topics

• Adolescent
• Child
• Cognition Disorders (drug therapy, etiology)
• Drug Administration Schedule
• Female
• Humans
• Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors (administration & dosage, therapeutic use)
• Lovastatin (administration & dosage, therapeutic use)
• Male
• Neurofibromatosis 1 (complications, drug therapy)
• Treatment Outcome