Understanding 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-11210738

This study is looking at how chemotherapy affects the body's natural sleep-wake cycles and causes tiredness in cancer patients, using a special mouse model to find ways to help improve energy levels and overall well-being for those going through treatment.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionOhio State University NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Columbus, UNITED STATES)
Project IDNIH-11210738 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates how chemotherapy disrupts the body's circadian rhythms, which can lead to significant fatigue in cancer patients. By studying a special mouse model that simulates breast cancer survivors, the researchers aim to uncover the mechanisms behind these disruptions and their impact on patient well-being. The study will explore how inflammation caused by chemotherapy affects the brain's master clock and how this may contribute to fatigue. The ultimate goal is to develop new interventions that can help restore normal circadian function and improve the quality of life for cancer patients.

Who could benefit from this research

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

Not a fit: Patients who are not undergoing chemotherapy or those with conditions unrelated to circadian rhythm disruptions may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that alleviate fatigue and improve the overall quality of life for cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy.

How similar studies have performed: While the specific approach of linking circadian disruptions to chemotherapy-induced fatigue is relatively novel, there is growing evidence in related fields suggesting that addressing circadian rhythms can improve health outcomes.

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.