Home-based tDCS for cognitive problems in breast cancer survivors with and without obesity

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 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.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

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 it's running

• 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

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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.