Using light therapy to alleviate side effects of breast cancer treatment
Light Therapy to Treat Cancer-related Fatigue, Sleep Problems, Depression and Cognitive Impairment Among Breast Cancer Patients.
This study tests if wearing special glasses that provide bright light can help newly diagnosed breast cancer patients feel less tired, depressed, and have better sleep and thinking during their treatment.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 240 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | Female |
| Sponsor | Reykjavik University Academic / other |
| Drugs / interventions | chemotherapy |
| Locations | 1 site (Reykjavik) |
| Trial ID | NCT04418856 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This clinical trial investigates the effects of Bright White Light (BWL) therapy on cancer-related side effects in breast cancer patients. It aims to determine whether systematic light exposure can reduce fatigue, depression, sleep disturbances, and cognitive impairment associated with cancer treatment. Participants will wear special glasses that deliver either BWL or Dim White Light (DWL) for 30 minutes each morning during their treatment. The study will include newly diagnosed breast cancer patients undergoing surgery and/or chemotherapy, comparing the effects of the two types of light exposure.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are newly diagnosed breast cancer patients with stages 1 to 3 who are scheduled for surgery and/or chemotherapy.
Not a fit: Patients with advanced stage breast cancer (3B or 4), those with certain psychological conditions, or other significant health impairments may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this therapy could significantly improve the quality of life for breast cancer patients by reducing debilitating side effects of treatment.
How similar studies have performed: While research on light therapy in cancer patients is limited, preliminary findings suggest potential benefits, making this approach both novel and promising.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: 1. Breast cancer Patients: Newly diagnosed patients with stages 1 to 3 breast cancer scheduled to undergo surgery (without chemotherapy) and newly diagnosed patients with stages 1 to 3 breast cancer scheduled to undergo both surgery and chemotherapy. 2. Healthy controls: never received a cancer diagnosis Exclusion Criteria: * Stage 3B breast cancer, inflammatory or stage 4 breast cancer; under age 18; pregnancy; pre-existing anemia (Hb \<10gm/dl); history of bipolar disorder or mania (which are contra-indications for BWL treatment); and any other physical or psychological impairments (e.g., sleep disorder diagnosis) which could limit participation.
Where this trial is running
Reykjavik
- Reykjavik University — Reykjavik, Iceland (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Heiddis Valdimarsdottir, PhD — Reykjavik University
- Study coordinator: Hannah R Sigurdardottir Tobin, MSc
- Email: hannahs@ru.is
- Phone: +3548659910
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.