What is this study?

'Chemobrain' is a well-recognised but poorly understood side effect of chemotherapy for many cancer patients. It is used to describe a collection of signs and symptoms including confusion, concentration difficulties, multitasking, recalling conversations or even words. This study explores the impact of chemotherapy on brain function using memory testing and advanced imaging techniques (MRI and PET/CT).

Using the most popular chemotherapy treatment for breast cancer patients, this study will explore its mode of action, impact on brain function and use memory testing and imaging to compare participants experiencing cognitive issues against those without following treatment.

Who are we looking for?

We are looking for individuals who:

  • Have breast cancer and are due to receive chemotherapy, or have had chemotherapy in the last 12 months
  • Are aged 18 or older
  • Do not have major depression or known memory problems
  • Do not have a diagnosis of dementia or prior cognitive impairment
  • Do not have a history of electroconvulsive therapy

What the study involves

If you take part in this study, you will be asked to:

  • Complete memory and cognitive tests
  • Undergo brain imaging scans (MRI and PET/CT)
  • Attend study visits at specified time points
  • Provide information about your medical history and current symptoms

The study uses special imaging techniques including Tau-PET scans and dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI to detect changes in the brain. These are similar to techniques used in Alzheimer's disease research and can help us understand what happens in the brain during chemotherapy treatment.

Where will this study take place?

This study is being conducted at:

Division of Neurology
Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London
Level 5, Burlington Danes
Hammersmith Campus
Du Cane Road
London, W12 0NN

What to do if I am interested

If you are interested in taking part in the Chemobrain study, please complete our online registration form below:

Online Registration Form

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Study Information

Research Type Research Study
Full Title Evaluation of cognitive impairment in breast cancer patients treated with cytotoxic chemotherapy
IRAS ID 275902
Contact Name Laura Kenny
Contact Email l.kenny@imperial.ac.uk
Sponsor Organisation Imperial College London
Duration 3 years, 1 month, 1 day

Background

Chemobrain, also known as chemotherapy-related cognitive impairment (CRCI), cognitive dysfunction or colloquially 'chemo fog', occurs in approximately half of chemotherapy cancer patients but is not routinely assessed by doctors. It affects both sexes, of all ages, with a variety of different cancers, and patients may notice changes at varying times following cancer-related treatment.

Older people are particularly vulnerable, especially those who already show signs of or suffer from anxiety and depression. Most people recover from chemobrain within a year of ending treatment, but some may take longer to return to pre-chemotherapy awareness levels, or experience permanent memory and cognitive problems that affect their quality of life.

The extent of the problem has been recognised by the National Institutes of Health in the USA and other international organisations, which have stated that research studies of chemobrain are urgently needed to reduce social and economic problems in the future.

The chemobrain difficulties are also common features in several neurodegenerative diseases. Thus, we will be drawing parallels between the two different disease areas (breast cancer and neurodegenerative diseases) and utilise existing knowledge, memory testing and imaging techniques.