Photobiomodulation for Cancer-Related Cognitive Impairment (NCT05855694) | Clinical Trial Compass
Not Yet RecruitingNot Applicable
Photobiomodulation for Cancer-Related Cognitive Impairment
United States30 participantsStarted 2026-06
Plain-language summary
This is a single site, pilot randomized, double blinded control trial designed to assess changes in cognitive symptoms in cancer survivors with cancer-related cognitive impairment. Patients will be randomized into one of two Arms: Intervention or Control.
* Arm A: Intervention Group: Use of the THOR LED Photobiomodulation helmet 3x per week for 6 weeks. Helmet will be in 'therapeutic setting', 35mW/cm2 = 42J/cm2
* Arm B: Control Group: Use of the THOR LED Photobiomodulation helmet 3x per week for 6 weeks. Helmet will be in 'placebo setting', 0mW/cm2 = 0J/cm2
This study has been designed to assess the hypothesis that Photobiomodulation can have a positive impact on cognitive symptoms in cancer survivors with cancer-related cognitive impairment.
30 participants will be recruited for this study, 15 per group. Self-report questionnaires assessing cognitive concerns, cognitive abilities, quality of life, depression, and anxiety will be administered at three timepoints through the study Baseline, End of Study Visit and 1 Month Follow Up
Who can participate
Age range
18 Years
Sex
ALL
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:
* Adults ≥ 18 years
* Previous diagnosis of stage I-III non-central nervous system solid tumor malignancy, Hodgkin, or Non-Hodgkin lymphoma
* Completed cancer treatment (chemotherapy and/or radiation) more than 6 months ago but less than 5 years ago (Current concurrent endocrine therapy, anti-HER-2 therapy allowed, or other stable maintenance therapies (such as rituximab) will be allowed.
* Self-reported cognitive complaints (score ≤ 54 on the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Cognition, Version 3, Perceived Cognitive Impairment subscale)
* Written informed consent obtained from subject and ability for subject to comply with the requirements of the study.
* Ability to read, write and understand either English OR Spanish.
Exclusion Criteria:
* Current pregnancy or nursing status
* Current use of Photobiomodulation (PBM) (for any reason)
* A lifetime history of any brain tumor or central nervous system metastasis
* Previous use of intrathecal chemotherapy, chimeric antigen receptor treatment (CAR-T), or stem cell/marrow transplant
* Known history of other neurological conditions involving impaired cognitive function (such as Alzheimer's Disease and related dementias, Parkinson's Disease, or Multiple Sclerosis).
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.