Status and phase
Conditions
Treatments
Study type
Funder types
Identifiers
About
This randomized, placebo-controlled trial aims to assess the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary efficacy of memantine and the University of Carolina (UNC)'s Get Real & Heel cancer exercise program (MEM+EX) in addressing cancer-related cognitive impairment (CRCI) and underlying CRCI biomarkers. Ninety stage I-III breast cancer patients with mild cognitive difficulties during chemotherapy will be randomized into three groups: MEM+EX, memantine, or placebo. The study will evaluate recruitment, retention, adherence, acceptability, cognitive function, brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), inflammatory markers, and frailty at multiple time points.
Full description
There are 4 million breast cancer survivors in the U.S. and an estimated 1.4 million suffer from long-term cognitive deficits from cancer treatment. Compared to other cancers and treatments, cognitive decline has been most robustly described in breast cancer and following chemotherapy with up to 75% self-reporting and ~50% objectively demonstrating at least mild cognitive deficits after chemotherapy. Memantine, an N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor antagonist, is a promising medication to address underlying mechanisms of CRCI, including inflammation and pathways involving brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). Exercise, a promising intervention for frailty which intervenes on multiple mechanisms of aging, is an ideal strategy to augment the targeted effects of memantine.
The primary objective of this study is to demonstrate the feasibility and acceptability of MEM+EX during breast cancer chemotherapy. Secondarily, the preliminary efficacy of MEM+EX and memantine on putative biomarkers of CRCI and cognitive function will be evaluated. Furthermore, the impact of frailty on the preliminary efficacy of MEM+EX and memantine will be explored.
The proposed study has the potential to produce significant public health benefit by filling a major gap in effective CRCI treatments. It will provide important pilot data for future, definitive randomized controlled studies. Finally, this study will advance understanding of potential targets to pursue in future cognitive interventions, including pathways involving BDNF and inflammation, during treatment for cancer.
Enrollment
Sex
Ages
Volunteers
Inclusion criteria
In order to participate in this study a subject must meet all of the eligibility criteria outlined below.
Exclusion criteria
Primary purpose
Allocation
Interventional model
Masking
90 participants in 3 patient groups, including a placebo group
Loading...
Central trial contact
Ashley M Hanson
Data sourced from clinicaltrials.gov
Clinical trials
Research sites
Resources
Legal