How chemotherapy affects the body's internal clock and causes fatigue
Official title: Chemotherapy-induced circadian master clock disruptions and fatigue
Funded at Ohio State University · NIH-11001190 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how chemotherapy affects the body's natural sleep-wake cycles, which might make cancer patients feel more tired, and it aims to find ways to help improve their energy and overall well-being.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Ohio State University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Columbus, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | January 23, 2023 |
| Project end | December 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $476,377 |
| NIH project number | 5R01CA270372-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11001190 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy who experience significant fatigue.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not undergoing chemotherapy or those without fatigue related to cancer treatment may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how chemotherapy disrupts the body's natural circadian rhythms, which may lead to increased fatigue in cancer patients. By studying a unique mouse model of breast cancer survivors, the research aims to understand the mechanisms behind these disruptions and their impact on patient well-being. The project will explore how inflammation caused by chemotherapy affects the brain's master clock and how this, in turn, influences fatigue levels. The ultimate goal is to identify new interventions that could help improve the quality of life for cancer patients experiencing fatigue.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for managing fatigue in cancer patients, enhancing their overall quality of life.
How similar studies have gone: While the specific approach of linking circadian disruption to chemotherapy-induced fatigue is novel, similar studies have shown that addressing circadian rhythms can improve health outcomes in other contexts.
Where this research is happening
-
Ohio State University
Columbus, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Pyter, Leah M — Ohio State University
- Study coordinator: Pyter, Leah M
Related research
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.