Diet intervention to support brain health in women with breast cancer

Protecting the Brain From Toxic Side Effects of Chemotherapy: a Pilot Study of a MIND Diet Intervention in Women Undergoing Active Treatment for Breast Cancer

Not applicable Interventional Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center · NCT05984888

This study is testing if following the MIND diet can help women with hormone receptor-positive breast cancer feel better mentally while they are receiving treatment.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment43 (estimated)
Ages45 Years to 75 Years
SexFemale
SponsorOhio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center Academic / other
Drugs / interventionschemotherapy
Locations1 site (Columbus, Ohio)
Trial IDNCT05984888 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This pilot study investigates the effects of the MIND diet on cognitive function in women undergoing active treatment for breast cancer. The MIND diet emphasizes anti-inflammatory nutrients while limiting unhealthy foods, aiming to mitigate cognitive decline associated with cancer therapies. Participants will be randomized into either the MIND diet intervention group or a general health curriculum group to assess the impact on their cognitive outcomes. The study focuses on women diagnosed with hormone receptor-positive breast cancer who are starting systemic therapies.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are post-menopausal women with stage II-IV hormone receptor-positive breast cancer who are starting systemic therapies.

Not a fit: Patients with a history of cognitive impairment or those diagnosed with triple negative breast cancer may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this intervention could improve cognitive function and quality of life for women undergoing treatment for breast cancer.

How similar studies have performed: Similar dietary interventions have shown promise in improving cognitive outcomes in other populations, suggesting potential for success in this novel application.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Stage II-IV hormone receptor+, breast cancer diagnosis
* Post-menopausal (defined as at least 1-year post menses, on ovarian suppression medication, or s/p oophorectomy)
* Within 4 weeks before or 12 weeks after starting initial systemic therapies (e.g. chemotherapy, targeted therapies such as CDK4/6 inhibitors, endocrine therapy)
* Ability to access and use internet resources, including video calls using Zoom platform
* English speaking

Exclusion Criteria:

* History of dementia, stroke, traumatic brain injury, brain metastasis or other conditions that could lead to cognitive impairment
* MIND diet score \>8
* Unwilling/unable to eat \>2 types of MIND food
* Receiving insulin therapy for diabetes
* Diagnosis of triple negative breast cancer
* Unable to give informed consent.

Where this trial is running

Columbus, Ohio

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Breast Cancer
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.