Using light exposure to help pediatric brain tumor survivors with fatigue and cognitive issues
Systematic Light Exposure Intervention for Fatigue and Cognitive Efficiency in Pediatric Brain Tumor Survivors
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
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 40 (estimated) |
| Ages | 10 Years to 18 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Baylor College of Medicine Academic / other |
| Drugs / interventions | radiation |
| Locations | 1 site (Houston, Texas) |
| Trial ID | NCT05340881 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
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.
Who should consider this trial
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.
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.
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 performed: 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.
Eligibility criteria
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 this trial is running
Houston, Texas
- 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
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.