Study of Brain Health Effects from Endocrine Therapy and Menopause in Breast Cancer Survivors

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are investigating how endocrine therapy ET, commonly used to treat hormone receptor positive breast cancer and prevent its return, affects brain health and cognition in breast cancer survivors. Since ET crosses into the brain and alters estrogens actiona hormone important for cognitive functionsthere is concern that ET may impact cognition differently depending on menopausal status. This study aims to clarify these effects using sensitive brain imaging techniques during cognitive tasks, addressing gaps from previous studies that lacked focus on menopausal status and used less sensitive cognitive measures. The study compares four groups pre-menopausal and post-menopausal breast cancer survivors who have undergone ET, and matched healthy controls without cancer. The researchers use task-related functional magnetic resonance imaging fMRI to measure brain activity during working memory challenges. This cross-sectional study applies a 2x2 factorial design to examine how menopausal status and ET exposure relate to brain function, with healthy controls matched by age, race, education, and time since last menstrual period for post-menopausal participants. Participants attend a single study visit where brain activity and cognitive function during memory tasks are assessed using fMRI and cognitive tests. The primary outcomes include comparing brain activity and cognitive performance between breast cancer survivors on ET and matched healthy controls. The study also monitors participant eligibility closely to exclude those with neurological or psychiatric conditions, ensuring accurate assessment of ETs impact on brain health in this population.

Brain Health in Breast Cancer Survivors