Use of Transcranial Photobiomodulation to Improve Cognition and Self-Reported Outcomes in Survivors of Childhood Cancer

Launched by ST. JUDE CHILDREN'S RESEARCH HOSPITAL · Sep 21, 2022

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is investigating a new treatment approach using light therapy called transcranial photobiomodulation (tPBM) to help improve thinking skills in survivors of childhood cancers, specifically those who had acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) or Hodgkin lymphoma (HL). Survivors of these cancers often experience difficulties with memory, attention, and overall cognitive function after their treatment. The trial will also look at how this therapy affects feelings of depression, anxiety, fatigue, and other related symptoms.

To participate in the study, you need to be at least 18 years old and have completed your cancer treatment at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital at least two years ago. You should also have experienced some difficulties with thinking as measured by cognitive tests or reported by yourself. Participants will use the tPBM device at home and engage in remote cognitive training exercises. This study is currently recruiting, so if you think you might be eligible, this could be a valuable opportunity to help improve your cognitive health after childhood cancer.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • Completed treatment for acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) or Hodgkin's Lymphoma (HL) at SJCRH.
• • Enrolled in SJLIFE, and less than 21 years of age at diagnosis.
• • 18 years of age or older at time of enrollment.
• • 2 years or greater post-treatment completion of cancer directed therapy and not currently receiving any cancer directed therapy.
• • English language proficiency.
• • Access to WiFi.
• • Executive dysfunction defined as having an age-adjusted standard score less than 16th percentile on objectively assessed cognitive test or patient-reported executive dysfunction defined as having a standard score greater than 84th percentile within 3 years of time of enrollment.
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • Estimated intelligence score less than 80.
• • Currently taking medication intended to treat neurocognitive impairment (i.e., stimulants).
• • Major psychiatric condition.
• • Alcohol abuse in the past year (AUDIT) \[greater than or equal to 13 for women and greater than or equal to 15 for men\]. The Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT) will be used to screen for individuals who have active alcohol-use disorders.
• • Drug abuse in the past year (DAST-10) \[ greater than or equal to 3 for women or men\] The Drug Abuse Screen Test (DAST-10) will be used to screen for individuals with active drug abuse.
• • History of neurologic condition or genetic disorder associated with neurocognitive impairment unrelated to cancer diagnosis or treatment.
• • Enrolled on another independent cognitive intervention protocol within the last year.
• • Female participants who are pregnant or lactating (determined by participant self-report due to the remote nature of this study)
• • Tattoo or artificial marking in the area where the device will be positioned.