Understanding cognitive impairment caused by chemotherapy in breast cancer patients
Inflammatory and Neural Correlates of Chemotherapy-Induced Cognitive Impairment: A Pilot Study
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 |
|---|---|
| Enrollment | 50 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University of Aberdeen Academic / other |
| Drugs / interventions | chemotherapy |
| Locations | 1 site (Aberdeen) |
| Trial ID | NCT05740787 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
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.
Who should consider this trial
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.
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.
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 performed: 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.
Eligibility criteria
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 this trial is running
Aberdeen
- NHS Grampian — Aberdeen, United Kingdom (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Teresa Morris
- Email: t.morris@abdn.ac.uk
- Phone: +44 + 1224438363
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.