Using light exposure to help pediatric brain tumor survivors with fatigue and cognitive issues
Official title: Systematic Light Exposure Intervention for Fatigue and Cognitive Efficiency in Pediatric Brain Tumor Survivors
Run by Baylor College of Medicine · NCT05340881 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing if bright light exposure can help children and teens who survived brain tumors feel less tired and think better.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 10 Years to 18 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 40 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Baylor College of Medicine Academic / other |
| Drugs / interventions | radiation |
| Locations | 1 site (Houston, Texas) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | October 14, 2022 |
| Main results expected | June 2026 |
| Study ends | July 2026 |
| Registry record updated | September 18, 2025 |
| Trial ID | NCT05340881 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates are children and adolescents aged 10-18 years who have been treated for a brain tumor and experience mild to moderate fatigue.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with high-grade gliomas, brain stem gliomas, or atypical teratoid rhabdoid tumors, as well as those with severe depression or suicidal ideation, 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 pilot study investigates the effects of systematic bright light exposure on fatigue and cognitive efficiency in children and adolescents who have survived brain tumors. Participants will be randomly assigned to either a bright light group, receiving 1,000 lux light exposure for 30 minutes daily, or a dim light group, receiving less than 25 lux for the same duration. The study aims to evaluate the feasibility and adherence to this intervention, with assessments conducted at baseline, during, and after the intervention period. The findings will inform future larger studies on the effectiveness of light exposure in this population.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this intervention could significantly reduce fatigue and improve cognitive function in pediatric brain tumor survivors.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown that bright light exposure can improve fatigue in adult cancer survivors, but this approach is novel in the context of pediatric brain tumor survivors.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Diagnosed and treated for a brain tumor at Texas Children's Hospital * Treated with either surgery only or surgery and proton beam radiation therapy * Treated for tumors other than high-grade gliomas, brain stem gliomas, or atypical teratoid rhabdoid tumors given associated reduced survival rates * Currently or previously enrolled in longitudinal studies of neurocognitive outcomes in survivors of pediatric brain tumor (Lisa Kahalley, PI; H-29026, H-35681, H-40804, H-40961, H-49380, H-26785, H-41705 * Ages 10-18 years * At least 1 year post-diagnosis * Endorsed mild to moderate symptoms of fatigue on the PROMIS * Approval from Long-Term Survivorship provider * Adequate vision for computerized tasks * English-speaking * Intelligence Quotient (IQ) above 70 Exclusion Criteria: * Diagnosis and/or treatment for secondary malignancy in the past 12 months * Current or previous (within 12 months) suicidal ideation or severe depression requiring immediate intervention * Presence of photophobia or other eye diseases, seizures, and/or migraines * Use of photosensitizing medications * Current or previous use of light therapy
Where it's running
-
Texas Children's Hospital
Houston, Texas, United States Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Kimberly P Raghubar, PhD — Baylor College of Medicine
- Study coordinator: Kimberly P Raghubar, PhD
- Email: kpraghub@texaschildrens.org
- Phone: 832-822-3713
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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.