Chrono-behavioral Therapy for Chronic Fatigue in Cancer

Launched by AARHUS UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL · Feb 24, 2025

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is studying a new therapy called Chrono-behavioral Therapy (ChronoBT) designed to help cancer survivors dealing with chronic fatigue, which is a common and exhausting side effect after cancer treatment. The goal of this therapy is to improve daily habits related to light exposure, physical activity, and eating, all of which can help restore the body's natural 24-hour rhythms. Researchers believe that by strengthening these daily cues, they can significantly reduce fatigue and improve the quality of life for cancer survivors.

To participate in this trial, individuals must be survivors of prostate or breast cancer who finished their treatment at least a year ago. They should be at least 18 years old, able to read and speak Danish, and experiencing chronic fatigue. However, those who have used light therapy recently, have certain medical or psychiatric conditions, or are dealing with other factors that could cause fatigue may not be eligible. Participants can expect to engage in a home-based program that is designed to be easy to follow and manageable. This trial is currently not recruiting participants, but it aims to provide valuable insights into how to better support cancer survivors facing fatigue.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • 1. prostate or female breast cancer survivors
• • 2. completed local and/or adjuvant cancer therapy (with the exception of hormonal therapy) ≥ 1 year previously
• • 3. ≥18 years of age
• • 4. able to speak and read Danish
• • 5. experiencing CRF (score ≤36 on FACT-F)
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • 1. use of light therapy in the last year
• • 2. confounding underlying medical/psychiatric disorders or use of medications associated with fatigue (e.g., a central nervous system cancer, untreated hypothyroidism, anemia, chronic fatigue syndrome, insomnia, major depression)
• • 3. non-cancer related factor likely to be a driver of fatigue (e.g., shift work, pregnancy, recent travel across time zones)
• • 4. recurrence of cancer or new cancer
• • 5. physical or psychological conditions that could prevent participation in intervention components
• • 6. use of photosensitizing medications