Could a light helmet fix chemo brain? small study aims to find out

NCT ID NCT05855694

Not yet recruiting Symptom relief Sponsor: Arash Asher, MD Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Aug 11, 2026 · Updated 2 times

Summary

This pilot study tests whether a special helmet that shines red and near-infrared light on the head can help cancer survivors with memory and thinking problems (often called chemo brain). Thirty adults who finished cancer treatment 6 months to 5 years ago will wear the helmet three times a week for six weeks. Half will get the real light therapy, half a placebo, and neither they nor the researchers will know which group they are in. The study measures changes in cognitive symptoms, quality of life, and mood.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance: Photobiomodulation helmet (non-invasive LED light device)
What this could lead to: If it works, this could point toward a safe, drug-free way to improve memory and thinking in cancer survivors.
What could go wrong: This is a very small pilot study (30 people) with no phase designation, so results are preliminary. The placebo effect is possible, and the device may not provide real benefit.

This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.

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As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

CANCER-RELATED COGNITIVE IMPAIRMENT

Contacts and locations

Locations

Clinical Trial Recruitment Navigator

Los Angeles, California, 90048, United States

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