RecruitingNot Applicable

Breathlessness Patterns in Patients With Cancer, COPD and Heart Failure: an fMRI Feasibility Study

Switzerland16 participantsStarted 2025-08-26

Plain-language summary

Dyspnea that persists despite optimal pathophysiological treatment is defined as persistent dyspnea. Currently all brain functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) studies conducted to evaluate breathlessness have done so using healthy volunteers or have concentrated on acute breathlessness. Little is known about chronic breathlessness patterns and their modulation by different triggers. Furthermore, it is currently assumed in the palliative care literature that patients suffering from different advanced and progressive diseases such as cancer, heart failure (HF) or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) have the same triggers, perceptions and neurological pathways and thus require the same treatments/interventions (i.e. opioids as first line symptomatic pharmacologic treatment). However, it is now known that patients belonging to different disease groups do not necessarily benefit from opioids. Aim of the study To assess the feasibility of identifying dyspnea patterns in different life-limiting conditions and to evaluate the effect of immersive virtual reality (IVR) on dyspnea using patient-reported-outcomes (PROMs). Study procedure: Patients with advanced chronic diseases such as cancer, COPD or HF suffering from dyspnea will undergo a brain fMRI in combination with an IVR intervention. The fMRI data will be reviewed to identify different patterns of dyspnea and the effect of IVR on dyspnea will be assessed through PROMs. Patients will be asked about the perceived burden of the study.

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 * Age ≥ 18 years and * Followed by the outpatient palliative care clinic of the Geneva University Hospitals, Switzerland (HUG) and * Breathlessness at rest \> 2 and \< 8 on the NRS (numeric rating scale 0 to 10) and * Persistent breathlessness (persistent dyspnea for \> 3 weeks despite adequate and maximal medication according to the pathology) and * In a stable clinical condition, i.e., without an episode of acute cardiac, respiratory, and/or neurological failure leading to hospitalization in the previous 4 weeks and * Diagnosis of either HF stage NYHA III-IV, or COPD with dyspnea on the modified MRC scale grade 3-4, or oncological disease with primary or secondary pulmonary involvement Inclusion Criteria for Healthy Volunteers (Control Group) * Age ≥ 18 years and * No respiratory symptoms: dyspnea, cough, wheezing and * No known pulmonary, cardiac, or oncological disease and * Smoking status \< 10 pack-years and * No contraindication to fMRI (Appendix 3) and * Ability to lie flat (supine position) and * No diagnosed psychiatric illness (severe depression, severe anxiety, psychosis, other) or antipsychotic treatment deemed a contraindication for fMRI based on physician judgement and * No neurological disorders according to neurological assessment, including diagnosed dementia (frontotemporal dementia, Alzheimer's disease, etc.), brain pathology (tumor, stroke, Parkinson's disease, etc.), or epilepsy and * No claustrophobia, acrophobia, photophobia, seve…

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

Feasibility of the study

Timeframe: 18 months after the beginning of the study

Trial details

NCT IDNCT07319039

SponsorUniversity Hospital, Geneva

Sponsor typeOTHER

Study typeOBSERVATIONAL

Primary completion2027-03-01

Contact for this trial

Lisa Hentsch, Dr med

+41795531093 lisa.hentsch@hug.ch

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