Brain Health in Breast Cancer Survivors (NCT04297020) | Clinical Trial Compass
RecruitingNot Applicable
Brain Health in Breast Cancer Survivors
United States120 participantsStarted 2020-03-11
Plain-language summary
Endocrine therapy (ET) is widely used to treat hormone receptor positive breast cancer and prevent recurrence by downregulating estrogen function. However, ETs readily cross the blood brain barrier and interfere with the action of estrogen in the brain. Estrogen supports cognition and menopausal status is closely linked to cognitive health in women. This has raised concern that anti-estrogen ETs may affect cognition and brain health in breast cancer survivors. However, evidence across existing studies is inconsistent and these effects remain poorly understood. The incomplete understanding of the effects of ET are likely due to limitations of earlier studies - namely, the under-appreciation of the role of menopausal status and insensitivity of standard cognitive measures. This research project will address these earlier limitations by specifically comparing ET effects by menopausal status, and using highly sensitive, task-related functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) measures to assess the effects of ET on brain function.
Who can participate
Age range
35 Years – 65 Years
Sex
FEMALE
See this in plain English?
AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.
Inclusion Criteria:
* Age 35-65
* Fluent in English
* Adequate vision/hearing to complete testing
Exclusion Criteria:
* History of major or mild neurocognitive disorder or dementia
* Diagnosis of major neurological condition (e.g., epilepsy, Parkinson's Disease, stroke)
* Diagnosis of a major psychiatric disorder (e.g., bipolar disorder, schizophrenia)
* Untreated/unstable unipolar depression or anxiety
* Prior history of cancer or chemotherapy (for controls, any history)
* History of a learning disorder
* History of head injury with loss of consciousness \>20 minutes
* History of salpingo-oophorectomy or hysterectomy
* A cardiac pacemaker
* Implanted electronic device
* Claustrophobia
* Currently pregnant
* Orbital metal implant or other metallic foreign bodies
Additional exclusion criteria for controls: current use of a contraceptive agent that interferes with endogenous hormonal fluctuation (e.g., oral contraceptive pill) or precludes determination of menstrual pattern (e.g., hormonally secreting intrauterine device), or current treatment with systemic estrogen replacement therapy.
Questions worth asking your doctor
Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.
1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?
Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.
Questions for the trial coordinator
The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.
1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?
A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.
What they're measuring
1
Brain activity comparison between breast cancer survivors undergoing endocrine therapy and healthy matched control subject.
Timeframe: Day 1
2
Cognitive function comparison between breast cancer survivors undergoing endocrine therapy and healthy matched control subject.