How chemotherapy affects the body's internal clock and causes fatigue

Chemotherapy-induced circadian master clock disruptions and fatigue

NIH-funded research Ohio State University · NIH-11001190

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 typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionOhio State University NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Columbus, UNITED STATES)
Project IDNIH-11001190 on NIH RePORTER

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.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy who experience significant fatigue.

Not a fit: Patients who are not undergoing chemotherapy or those without fatigue related to cancer treatment may not benefit from this research.

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 performed: 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

Columbus, UNITED STATES

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Conditions anti-cancer therapy
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.