Using light and occupational therapy to manage fatigue in cancer patients

Assessing Efficacy of a Light Therapy and Occupational Therapy Fatigue Management-Based Intervention for Patients With Genitourinary Cancers

Not applicable Interventional City of Hope Medical Center · NCT05519878

This study is testing if combining light therapy with occupational therapy can help cancer patients with genitourinary cancers feel less tired and improve their daily activities.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment224 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorCity of Hope Medical Center Academic / other
Drugs / interventionschemotherapy, immunotherapy
Locations1 site (Duarte, California)
Trial IDNCT05519878 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This clinical trial evaluates the effectiveness of light therapy combined with occupational therapy in reducing cancer-related fatigue (CRF) in patients with genitourinary cancers. Participants are randomized into four groups: one receiving bright white light therapy, another undergoing occupational therapy, a third group receiving both interventions, and a control group receiving standard care. The primary objective is to assess fatigue levels three months post-intervention, while secondary objectives include measuring changes in fatigue and occupational performance. This approach aims to provide a low-burden, evidence-based intervention for managing CRF.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18 and over with a diagnosis of genitourinary cancer experiencing grade 1 or 2 fatigue.

Not a fit: Patients with severe sleep disorders, significant eye diseases, or severe psychological impairments may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this intervention could significantly improve the quality of life for patients suffering from cancer-related fatigue.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promise in using light therapy for fatigue management in cancer patients, suggesting this approach may be effective.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Aged 18 and over
* Sufficiently fluent in English
* On active treatment receiving systemic therapy (e.g., chemotherapy, immunotherapy, hormonal therapy, etc.) or radiotherapy
* Patients with diagnosis of a genitourinary (GU) cancer (e.g., prostate, kidney, and bladder cancer) who have grade 1 or 2 fatigue based on physician assessment at the time of study entry
* Clinician assessed prognosis of greater than or equal to six months
* Willing and independently able to provide consent
* Receive a pre-screen FACIT-Fatigue score of less than or equal to 30

Exclusion Criteria:

* Severe sleep disorders (e.g. narcolepsy)
* Eye Diseases which limit the ability of light to be processed (e.g. untreated cataracts, severe glaucoma, macular degeneration, blindness, pupil dilation problems or other retinal disorder)
* Severe psychological impairment (e.g., bipolar disorder or manic episodes)
* Current employment in night shift work
* Previous use of light therapy to alleviate fatigue or depressive symptoms
* Secondary cancer diagnosis within the past 5 years
* Plans to travel across meridians during treatment
* Pregnancy
* Currently recovering from previous eye surgery within the past 6 months that causes eye irritation
* Sensitivity to light, epilepsy, or a history of seizures

Where this trial is running

Duarte, California

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Bladder CarcinomaGenitourinary System NeoplasmKidney CarcinomaProstate Carcinoma
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 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.