Clinical trial Recruiting at 1 site Interventional Ages 18 to 80

Research on the causes of fatigue in cancer and chronic fatigue syndrome

Official title: Pathophysiology of Cancer Related Fatigue (CRF) and Chronic Fatigue (CFS/ME) by Lipidomics, Metabolomics, Microbiome and Exome Analysis and Investigation of Clinical Improvement Under Administration of Probiotics

Run by Universität des Saarlandes · NCT03773003 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is testing the causes of fatigue in cancer patients and those with chronic fatigue syndrome, while also seeing if probiotics can help reduce their tiredness.

More Chronic Fatigue Syndrome trials

Quick facts

Study typeInterventional
Ages18 Years to 80 Years
SexAll
Enrollment150 (estimated)
SponsorUniversität des Saarlandes
Academic / other
Drugs / interventionschemotherapy
Locations1 site (Homburg, Saarland)
StatusRecruiting
StartedJuly 20, 2021
Main results expectedJuly 1, 2025
Study endsDecember 1, 2025
Registry record updatedMay 29, 2025
Trial IDNCT03773003 on ClinicalTrials.gov

Is this trial a fit for you?

Likely a good fit

Ideal candidates include patients with confirmed tumor diseases who are indicated for chemotherapy and willing to provide written consent.

Probably not a fit

Patients with chronic-inflammatory bowel disease or those who are pregnant may not benefit from this study.

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

What this trial studies

This study investigates the underlying causes of Cancer Related Fatigue (CRF) and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS/ME) by analyzing lipidomics, metabolomics, microbiomes, and exomes in patients with tumor diseases. Participants will be compared to age- and gender-matched control groups to identify differences in these biological markers. Additionally, the study will explore the potential benefits of probiotics in alleviating fatigue symptoms through a double-blinded, placebo-controlled approach. The research aims to provide insights into the pathophysiology of these conditions and evaluate the effectiveness of probiotics.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved understanding and treatment options for patients suffering from cancer-related fatigue and chronic fatigue syndrome.

How similar studies have gone: Other studies have explored similar approaches to understanding fatigue syndromes, but this specific combination of methodologies is relatively novel.

Who can join: the full rules

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* histologically, cytologically or radiologically confirmed tumor disease
* indication for chemotherapy
* Written consent to participation

Exclusion Criteria:

* chronic-inflammatory bowel disease
* pregnancy

Where it's running

  • Saarland University Medical Center
    Homburg, Saarland, Germany
    Recruiting

Study contacts

Similar studies

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

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.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 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.