Brain Health in Breast Cancer Survivors (NCT04297020)
🩺 Plain-English Summary (8th-Grade Level)
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 join: To join this study, participants generally need to meet the listed inclusion criteria (3 items) and avoid the listed exclusions (14 items).
Location: University of California at Los Angeles — Los Angeles, California
📋 "Do I Qualify?" — 1-Minute Self Screener
Instant ChecklistCheck every box below. If you can check all of them, you may meet the study's basic screening requirements (final eligibility is confirmed by the site team).
Usually NOT eligible if any of the following apply:
- 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
🔍 Extracted verbatim from the official NIH eligibility criteria. Always confirm with the study coordinator.
📍 All Participating Trial Locations (1 Sites)
- University of California at Los Angeles — Los Angeles, California
💰 Cost, Insurance & Patient Rights
- 100% Free Items: The investigational treatment and protocol-required procedures are supplied at zero cost by the sponsor.
- Routine Patient Care: Under federal law (ACA § 2709) and many state statutes, routine care costs are covered during participation.
- Voluntary Participation: You may withdraw at any time without affecting your standard medical care.