Breathing practice to improve brain and mental health in cancer and MS patients

Is this trial a fit for you?

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

What this trial studies

This clinical trial investigates the effects of respiratory training on brain and mental health for patients with multiple sclerosis and various types of cancer, along with their caregivers. Participants will engage in breathing exercises using a mobile app and may attend online or in-person sessions with instructors. The study aims to evaluate both immediate and long-term benefits of improved respiratory function on oxygen delivery to brain tissues and overall mental well-being. Additionally, it seeks to develop a practical support tool for patients and caregivers to enhance their treatment experience.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

Inclusion Criteria:

* STUDY 1: Participants must be physically fit enough to perform light exercise.
* STUDY 1: Should read and understand English well enough to consent, complete measures, and follow instructions.
* STUDY 1: Must have access to a smartphone or tablet.
* STUDY 2: Participants must be physically fit enough to perform light exercise.
* STUDY 2: Cancer patients may have prostate cancer, neuroendocrine tumor, or brain cancer in any stage.
* STUDY 2: The main focus is on pairs of cancer patients and their respective caregivers, but individual cancer patients or individual caregivers are also acceptable.
* STUDY 2: Participants should read and understand English well enough to consent, complete measures, and follow instructions.
* STUDY 2: They also must have access to a smartphone or tablet.
* STUDY 3: Participants must be physically fit enough to perform light exercise.
* STUDY 3: The patient should have multiple sclerosis.
* STUDY 3: Participants should read and understand English well enough to consent, complete measures, and follow instructions.
* STUDY 3: They also must have access to a smartphone or tablet.

Exclusion Criteria:

* STUDY 1: Participants incompatible with MRI machines due to factors such as pacemakers or metallic implants.
* STUDY 1: Additionally, those with chronic medical conditions, including heart disease (coronary artery disease, congestive heart failure, hypertension, cardiac arrhythmia), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), cystic fibrosis, cancer, diabetes, sleep apnea, aneurysms, and neurological conditions (epilepsy, Alzheimer's disease, Huntington' disease, essential tremor and Parkinson disease) are excluded.
* STUDY 1: Participants with psychiatric conditions such as psychosis, suicidality, bipolar disorder, major depression, and substance use disorders are excluded.
* STUDY 1: Participants serving as caregivers for any of the aforementioned conditions and for other illnesses such as cancer or neurological disorders, are also excluded.
* STUDY 1: Further exclusions apply to those with severe vision, hearing impairments, have a body mass index (BMI) over 30, and those who are pregnant.
* STUDY 1: Those planning to become pregnant during the study period will be excluded.
* STUDY 2: Participants incompatible with MRI machines due to factors such as pacemakers or metallic implants are excluded, as are those with chronic lung disease (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease \[COPD\], cystic fibrosis), aneurysms, and those who are pregnant.
* STUDY 2: Those planning to become pregnant during the study period will be excluded.
* STUDY 3: Participants incompatible with MRI machines due to factors such as pacemakers or metallic implants are excluded, as are those with chronic lung disease (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease \[COPD\], cystic fibrosis), aneurysms, and those who are pregnant.
* STUDY 3: Those planning to become pregnant during the study period will be excluded.

Where it's running

• Mayo Clinic in Rochester
  Rochester, Minnesota, United States Recruiting

Study contacts

• Principal investigator: Paul H. Min, PhD — Mayo Clinic in Rochester
• Study coordinator: Clinical Trials Referral Office
• Email: mayocliniccancerstudies@mayo.edu
• Phone: 855-776-0015

Similar studies

Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.

• In-home cancer treatment with remote specialist support for patients in the Florida Panhandle

  This program will try giving standard cancer treatments at home to people living in the Florida Panhandle and nearby areas to see if they prefer it and have better treatment satisfaction.

  Recruiting Phase 2 Mayo Clinic · Jacksonville, Florida · NCT07285044

• Vanguard: a new blood test approach to screen for multiple cancers

  This study will test two different blood-based multi-cancer detection tests in adults 45–75 without cancer to see if they find cancers earlier than usual care.

  Recruiting at 46 sites National Cancer Institute (NCI) · Pleasanton, California and 45 other locations · NCT06995898

• Genetic testing for cancer in diverse ethnic groups

  This study is testing how genetic testing can help cancer patients from different ethnic backgrounds understand their risks and improve their personalized care.

  Recruiting at 2 sites Mayo Clinic · Scottsdale, Arizona and 1 other locations · NCT04475640

• Real-time imaging of tumor blood vessels during surgery

  We will test whether a real-time microscope technique during surgery can show how well blood vessels in adults' solid tumors work and whether that helps predict if systemic cancer medicines can reach the tumor.

  Recruiting Mayo Clinic · Jacksonville, Florida · NCT03823144

• Using nivolumab to treat patients with autoimmune disorders and advanced cancer

  This study is testing if nivolumab can safely help people with autoimmune disorders who also have advanced cancer by looking at how well it works and what side effects it might cause.

  Recruiting at 40 sites Phase 1 National Cancer Institute (NCI) · Birmingham, Alabama and 51 other locations · NCT03816345

• Treadmill-based virtual reality walking training for MS patients

  This study tests whether a treadmill with virtual reality and smart socks can help people with multiple sclerosis walk better and feel safer in daily life.

  Recruiting Shepherd Center, Atlanta GA · Atlanta, Georgia · NCT07927439

How to take part

1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.