Understanding cognitive impairment caused by chemotherapy in breast cancer patients
Official title: Inflammatory and Neural Correlates of Chemotherapy-Induced Cognitive Impairment: A Pilot Study
Run by University of Aberdeen · NCT05740787 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how chemotherapy affects memory and focus in breast cancer patients by checking for changes in their brains during and after treatment.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 50 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | University of Aberdeen Academic / other |
| Drugs / interventions | chemotherapy |
| Locations | 1 site (Aberdeen) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | December 15, 2022 |
| Main results expected | December 31, 2026 |
| Study ends | December 31, 2026 |
| Registry record updated | May 8, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT05740787 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates for this study are adults over 18 years old diagnosed with HER2 negative breast cancer who are receiving specific chemotherapy regimens.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with pre-existing mental conditions or those unable to undergo brain scans due to physical limitations 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 observational study aims to investigate the cognitive side effects, commonly referred to as 'chemobrain,' experienced by breast cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy. It focuses on understanding how chemotherapy may lead to inflammation in the brain, affecting memory and concentration. The study will utilize brain scans sensitive to excess iron to explore these changes, as direct measurement of the chemicals involved is not feasible. By gathering insights from patients during and after their treatment, the research seeks to fill critical gaps in knowledge regarding long-term cognitive effects of chemotherapy.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to better understanding and management of cognitive impairments in breast cancer survivors.
How similar studies have gone: While cognitive impairment from chemotherapy has been noted in other studies, this specific approach using brain scans to investigate the underlying mechanisms is relatively novel.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Women and men \>18 years * Diagnosed with HER2 negative breast cancer * Receiving EC-Taxane or Taxane only based chemotherapy * Able to communicate in English * Willing and able to give informed consent for participation in the study. Exclusion Criteria: * Any patient whose physical condition will preclude them from lying still for the duration of the brain scan. * pre-excisting mental condition/disability * Contraindication to magnetic resonance scanning such as an implantable cardiac device.
Where it's running
-
NHS Grampian
Aberdeen, United Kingdom Recruiting
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Teresa Morris
- Email: t.morris@abdn.ac.uk
- Phone: +44 + 1224438363
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.