Overview

• Ohio State University researchers report that paclitaxel altered circadian function in the suprachiasmatic nucleus, according to an eNeuro paper published in September 2025.
• Chemotherapy-treated mice showed abnormal daily patterns of circadian gene expression in the brain’s pacemaker region.
• Treated animals adapted poorly to light-based challenges, indicating disrupted behavioral rhythms tied to the clock.
• The experiment used only female mice due to breast cancer relevance, highlighting preclinical scope and the need for human confirmation.
• Results underscore a paradox of clock disruption despite limited brain penetration by many chemotherapies, pointing to possible indirect mechanisms and low-risk behavioral interventions to evaluate.