Does breast cancer treatment cloud the mind? 1,700 women join landmark study
NCT ID NCT03451383
First seen Sep 28, 2026 · Last updated Sep 29, 2026 · Updated 1 time
Summary
Researchers are following 1,700 women aged 60 and older who were diagnosed with early-stage breast cancer to see how their thinking and memory change over time. The study measures attention, processing speed, learning, and memory using standard neuropsychological tests, and checks quality of life, sleep, physical function, genetics, and inflammation markers. The goal is to understand whether cancer treatments and other factors contribute to cognitive decline in this age group.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only, not medical advice or a prediction.
- What this could lead to
- If researchers link specific treatments or biomarkers to cognitive decline, doctors could one day tailor breast cancer care to protect thinking and memory in older women.
- What could go wrong
- This is an observational study, so it can show patterns but not prove cause. Many factors affect cognition with age, and results may not apply to all patients.
This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.
Study facts
What this study's own registry entry says, in plain language.
- Participants
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About 1,700 people
The number the study aims to enrol. It can still change while the study runs.
- Started
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Aug 2010
- Expected to finish
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Apr 2027
An estimate. End dates often move.
- Lead sponsor
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Other sponsor
The registry's catch-all category, for sponsors it does not file as a company, a government agency, or a research network.
Who can take part
This study's own entry requirements. Only the study team can say for certain whether you qualify.
Who is studied
Women age 60+ with a newly diagnosed breast adenocarcinoma staged 0-3 and matched controls.
- Ages
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60 to 105 years
- Sex
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Female participants only
- Healthy volunteers
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Accepted
You do not need to have the condition being studied to take part.
Show the full entry requirements Hide the full entry requirements
Copied word for word from the study's registry entry, so the wording is the study team's rather than ours.
Inclusion Criteria: For cancer patients, eligibility includes: * being female * Age 60+ at diagnosis of a new primary histological confirmed adenocarcinoma breast cancer * AJCC stages 0-3 or planning neoadjuvant therapy * In the judgment of the consenting professional, able to communicate well enough in English through verbal and written communication to complete the study assessments and provide informed consent * If currently taking psychoactive medications (including, but not limited to anticonvulsants, antidepressants, and anxiolytics), dose must have been stable at least two months prior to enrollment. * Participant report of no previous or current chemotherapy or hormonal treatment use (anastrazole, exemestane, etc.) This does not include hormonal replacement therapy, synthetic thyroid hormones, etc. For controls, eligibility includes: * being female * Age 60+ * In the judgment of the consenting professional, able to communicate well enough in English through verbal and written communication to complete the study assessments and provide informed consent * If currently taking psychoactive medications (including, but not limited to anticonvulsants, antidepressants, and anxiolytics), dose must have been stable at least two months prior to enrollment. Exclusion: We apply the same exclusion criteria for patients and controls. * Participant report of a history of formal diagnosis of neurological problems (i.e. Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, Multiple Sclerosis, Dementia, Seizure Disorders, brain tumors, etc.) * Participant report of surgery on the brain for any reason (cancerous or non-cancerous tumors, subdural hematomas, AV malformations, increased intracranial pressure, etc.) * Participant report of a history of stroke (with the exception of TIA if ≥1 year ago) * Participant report of HIV/AIDS * Participant report of moderate to severe head trauma (loss of consciousness \> 60 min or with evidence of structural brain changes on imaging) * History of major psychiatric disorder (DSM-IV Axis 1) (i.e. major depressive disorder (untreated or poorly treated), bipolar disorders, schizophrenia, or substance abuse disorders (self-reported and/or stated in medical record). * Participant report of a history of prior breast or other cancer with the exception of non-melanoma skin cancer. An exception for cases only: women who completed treatment for a previous cancer at least 5 years ago and have not undergone any chemotherapy or hormonal therapy. This previous cancer cannot be breast cancer. * Participant report of previous or current chemotherapy or hormonal therapy use * Participant use of methotrexate (Amethopterin, Rhematrex, Trexall) or rituximab (Rituxin) for rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis or Crohn's disease, or cyclophosphamide (Cytoxan, Neosar) for Lupus. * Visual or hearing impairment that would preclude ability to complete interviews or neuropsychological testing, such as significant macular degeneration or being unable to correct hearing with hearing aides * Non-English speaking * To participate in the optional neuroimaging portion of the study: Participant cannot be claustrophobic Participant cannot have a pacemaker, aneurysm clip or other implants that are not MRI safe Participant cannot have any type of implanted electrical device
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Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
How to take part
Only the study team decides who joins. These are the ways to reach them.
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The places running it
1 site. The list below names each one and where it is.
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The official record
ClinicalTrials.gov lists the study team's own contact details, including names and phone numbers. We don't republish those.
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A doctor treating you
A doctor who knows your case can contact a study site on your behalf, and can tell you whether this study is worth pursuing at all.
Contacts and locations
Locations
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Georgetown University
RECRUITINGWashington D.C., District of Columbia, 20007, United States
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