Home-based tDCS for cognitive problems in breast cancer survivors with and without obesity
Evaluating the Efficacy of Home-Based tDCS for Cancer-Related Cognitive Impairment and Its Moderation by Obesity: A Double-Blind Randomized Controlled Trial.
This will test whether home-based transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) can improve cancer-related memory, attention, or processing speed problems in breast cancer survivors and whether obesity changes the effect.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 40 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | Female |
| Sponsor | University of Helsinki Academic / other |
| Drugs / interventions | chemotherapy, immunotherapy |
| Locations | 1 site (Helsinki, Uusimaa) |
| Trial ID | NCT07112521 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This double-blind, sham-controlled intervention delivers active or placebo tDCS at home over six weeks to breast cancer survivors reporting cognitive impairment. Participants complete baseline and follow-up MRI scans, repeated cognitive tests, and psychosocial and dietary questionnaires before, during, and after the intervention. Investigators will compare cognitive performance and brain structural and functional changes between active and sham groups and examine whether obesity moderates treatment response. Eligibility is limited to right-handed women over 18 who completed primary cancer treatment at least three months prior and can read Finnish or English and access the internet.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are right-handed female breast cancer survivors over 18 who completed active treatment at least three months ago, report cognitive complaints, can read Finnish or English, and have internet access.
Not a fit: Patients with diagnosed dementia or major neurological disorders (e.g., multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's), recent stroke or prolonged head injury, active scalp eczema, recent cancer treatment, pregnancy, or inability to undergo MRI are unlikely to benefit or are excluded.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, home-based tDCS could improve cognitive function and offer a low-burden rehabilitation option for breast cancer survivors.
How similar studies have performed: Previous small randomized and pilot studies of tDCS for cancer-related and other cognitive impairments have shown mixed but encouraging results, while home-based delivery remains experimentally novel.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Female * Over 18 years old * Diagnosed with primary adult-onset breast cancer within the last 5 years * Completed all active cancer treatments at least 3 months prior to study participation * Capable of fulfilling study requirements, including having internet access. * Fluent in either Finnish or English * Have normal or corrected vision and hearing * Right-handed (based on the Edinburgh Handedness Inventory score; Oldfield, 1971) Exclusion Criteria: * Have received primary cancer treatment (chemotherapy, radiotherapy, immunotherapy, or surgery) within the last 3 months * Have a history of childhood-onset cancer * Present with acute eczema on the scalp * Diagnosed with dementia, Alzheimer's disease, multiple sclerosis, or - Parkinson's disease * Have experienced unconsciousness for more than five minutes due to a head/brain injury within the last 10 years * Have a history of stroke or transient ischemic attack * Suffer from claustrophobia * Are pregnant or breastfeeding * Have any of the following medical implants or devices: cardiac implantable electronic devices, metallic intraocular foreign bodies, neurostimulation systems, cochlear/ear implants, drug infusion pumps, catheters with metal components, metallic fragments (e.g., bullets), cerebral aneurysm clips, magnetic dental implants, tissue expanders, artificial limbs, non-removable piercings, or face tattoos. * Weight exceeding 250 kg (the MRI table weight limit) or they are unable to fit within the 70 cm diameter bore of the MRI machine
Where this trial is running
Helsinki, Uusimaa
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki — Helsinki, Uusimaa, Finland (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Manon Chédeville, Doctoral Researcher
- Email: manon.chedeville@helsinki.fi
- Phone: +358 50 326 4109
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.