Actively Recruiting
Brain Health in Breast Cancer Survivors: Interaction of Menopause and Endocrine Therapy
Led by Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center · Updated on 2026-05-11
120
Participants Needed
1
Research Sites
52 weeks
Total Duration
On this page
Sponsors
J
Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center
Lead Sponsor
N
National Cancer Institute (NCI)
Collaborating Sponsor
AI-Summary
What this Trial Is About
Researchers are studying how endocrine therapy (ET), commonly used to treat hormone receptor-positive breast cancer, may affect brain health and cognition in breast cancer survivors. Since ET crosses into the brain and affects estrogen, which supports cognitive function, there is concern about its impact, especially considering menopausal status. This study aims to clarify these effects by comparing pre- and post-menopausal women using sensitive brain imaging techniques. The study uses a cross-sectional 2x2 factorial design to compare four groups: pre-menopausal and post-menopausal breast cancer survivors on ET, and matched healthy controls in both menopausal groups. Brain activity is measured using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) during a working memory task to assess differences related to ET and menopausal status. Participants will undergo cognitive testing and brain scans during a single study visit to compare brain function and cognitive performance between groups. The main outcomes include brain activity and cognitive function differences between breast cancer survivors receiving ET and healthy matched controls. The study involves women aged 35 to 65 years and includes detailed screening to ensure participants meet criteria related to health, cognitive status, and hormone use.
CONDITIONS
Brief Title
Brain Health in Breast Cancer Survivors
Who Can Participate
Eligibility Criteria
You may qualify if you...
- Age between 35 and 65 years
- Fluent in English
- Adequate vision and hearing to complete testing
You will not qualify if you...
- History of major or mild neurocognitive disorder or dementia
- Diagnosis of major neurological condition such as epilepsy, Parkinson's Disease, or stroke
- Diagnosis of a major psychiatric disorder including bipolar disorder or schizophrenia
- Untreated or unstable unipolar depression or anxiety
- Prior history of cancer or chemotherapy for healthy controls
- History of a learning disorder
- History of head injury with loss of consciousness longer than 20 minutes
- History of salpingo-oophorectomy or hysterectomy
- Presence of a cardiac pacemaker
- Implanted electronic device
- Claustrophobia
- Currently pregnant
- Orbital metal implant or other metallic foreign bodies
- For controls: current use of contraceptive agents interfering with hormonal fluctuations or systemic estrogen therapy treatment
AI-Screening
AI-Powered Screening
Complete this quick 3-step screening to check your eligibility
Your Study Journey
Duration - 2 to 4 weeks
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial.
1 visit (in-person)
Duration - 1 day
Participants undergo brain imaging and cognitive testing to assess brain activity and cognitive function.
1 visit (in-person)
Duration - Up to several years
Participants are observed to understand the effects of endocrine therapy and menopausal status on brain health over time.
Follow-up visits as scheduled
Trial Site Locations
Total: 1 location
1
University of California at Los Angeles
Los Angeles, California, United States, 90095
Actively Recruiting
Research Team
K
Kathleen Van Dyk, PhD
How is the study designed?
Study Type
OBSERVATIONAL
Masking
N/A
Allocation
N/A
Model
N/A
Primary Purpose
N/A
Number of Arms
4
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