Clinical Research Directory

Methylphenidate in Pediatric Brain Tumor Survivors With Cancer-related Fatigue

Cancer-related fatigue is a common and debilitating late effect in pediatric brain tumor survivors. Currently, evidence-based recommendations to ameliorate this condition are lacking. The researchers will investigate the ability of methylphenidate to improve fatigue and cognition in pediatric brain tumor survivors suffering from cancer-related fatigue. Methylphenidate is a drug (central nervous stimulant) most commonly used in the treatment of hyperkinetic disorders such as attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). If methylphenidate shows an effect, the prospects are important for this patient group, since methylphenidate may then be included as part of the treatment of brain tumor-related fatigue.

Chaigui Jieyu Qufa Decoction for CRF in Driver Gene-negative Lung Adenocarcinoma Trial

The goal of this \[clinical trial\] is to \[evaluate whether Chaiyu Jieyu Qufa Decoction can improve cancer-related fatigue and assess its safety\] in \[patients aged 18-80 years with untreated lung adenocarcinoma complicated with cancer-related fatigue of liver depression and spleen deficiency syndrome, who are scheduled to receive first-line platinum plus pemetrexed combined with PD-1/PD-L1 therapy\]. The main question\[s\] it aims to answer \[is/are\]: \[Does Chaiyu Jieyu Qufa Decoction reduce the severity of cancer-related fatigue measured by the Brief Fatigue Inventory (BFI) in patients with lung adenocarcinoma receiving platinum+pemetrexed+PD-1/PD-L1 treatment\]? \[Does Chaiyu Jieyu Qufa Decoction improve traditional Chinese medicine syndrome scores, fatigue-related quality of life, general quality of life, anxiety and depression status, tumour objective response rate and progression-free survival, without increasing safety risks\]? If there is a comparison group: Researchers will compare \[patients receiving Chaiyu Jieyu Qufa Decoction plus standard anti-tumour therapy\] to \[patients receiving placebo simulation agent plus the same standard anti-tumour therapy\] to see if \[the active herbal intervention achieves better relief of cancer-related fatigue and related secondary endpoints with acceptable safety\]. Participants will Receive platinum plus pemetrexed combined with PD-1/PD-L1 immunotherapy as standard first-line anti-tumour treatment; Take either Chaiyu Jieyu Qufa Decoction or matching simulation agent orally, 200 mL twice daily for 21 days; Complete questionnaire assessments including BFI, FACIT-F, EORTC QLQ-C30 and HADS at scheduled time points; Undergo blood, urine and stool tests plus liver and kidney function tests for safety evaluation; Receive contrast-enhanced imaging examinations to evaluate tumour response at specified follow-up time points; Attend follow-up visits up to 333 days after study enrolment.

Effects of Resistance Training on Recovery During Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation

This study investigates whether a resistance training program can help patients recovering from hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) for hematologic malignancies. HSCT is a vital treatment, but it comes with a high risk of severe complications. These include opportunistic infections caused by low white blood cell counts (neutropenia) and acute graft-versus-host disease (aGVHD), where donor cells attack the patient's body. Additionally, more than half of patients suffered from severe cancer-related fatigue during or after transplantation, which significantly lowers their quality of life. Currently, treatments for these complications rely almost entirely on medication. The purpose of this study is to see if an 8-week elastic band resistance training program can speed up blood cell recovery, reduce the severity of aGVHD, shorten hospital stays, and alleviate cancer-related fatigue. A total of 86 patients preparing for HSCT at Taipei Veterans General Hospital will be randomly assigned to one of two groups: 1. The Resistance Training Group (43 patients): Participants will perform 45-minute elastic band exercises three times a week, starting four weeks before their transplant and continuing until four weeks after. 2. The Control Group (43 patients): Participants will receive standard routine care. The study will compare the two groups by measuring how many days it takes for white blood cells to recover, the occurrence and severity of aGVHD, muscle strength (hand grip and lower limbs), fatigue levels, and the total length of hospital stays.

Behavioral Activation for Cancer-Related Fatigue After Breast Cancer Surgery

Cancer-related fatigue is common after breast cancer surgery and may persist during adjuvant treatment and early survivorship. This randomized controlled trial evaluated whether an 8-week graded behavioral activation intervention could reduce cancer-related fatigue in women with stage I-III breast cancer after surgery. Participants were randomly assigned in a 1:1 ratio to behavioral activation plus care as usual or care as usual alone. Assessments were conducted at baseline, Week 4, and Week 8. The primary outcome was cancer-related fatigue measured with the revised Piper Fatigue Scale (PFS-R). Secondary outcomes included anxiety, depressive symptoms, global health status/quality of life, and heart rate variability. Prespecified systemic inflammatory biomarkers derived from complete blood counts included the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and systemic immune-inflammation index (SII).

Tai Chi for Cancer-Related Fatigue During Radiotherapy in Patients With Head and Neck Cancer

This prospective, randomized controlled study will evaluate whether a Tai Chi exercise program can help reduce cancer-related fatigue in patients with head and neck cancer undergoing radiotherapy. A total of 116 participants will be randomly assigned in a 1:1 ratio to either a Tai Chi intervention group or a control group. Participants in the Tai Chi group will receive usual cancer care together with a 12-week Yang-style 16-form Tai Chi program. The exercise program will begin during radiotherapy preparation and will be adjusted according to the participant's treatment phase and physical condition. Participants in the control group will receive usual care, health education, and activity recording. The primary outcome is the change in cancer-related fatigue from baseline to within 7 days after completion of radiotherapy, measured using the Brief Fatigue Inventory (BFI) global score. The study will also assess fatigue at week 12 and functional exercise capacity using the 6-minute walk test.

Guaraná Supplementation for Cancer-Related Fatigue

Cancer-related fatigue is one of the most common and distressing symptoms experienced by patients during and after cancer treatment, and current options to manage it are limited. Guaraná (Paullinia cupana), an Amazonian plant rich in caffeine and other methylxanthines with anti-inflammatory and central-nervous-system-stimulating properties, has shown preliminary benefit for fatigue in small studies but lacks robust evidence. This pragmatic, prospective, single-arm study will evaluate whether guaraná supplementation reduces chronic cancer-related fatigue and improves quality of life in 60 patients with breast, lung, colorectal, or gastric cancer receiving active systemic treatment. Participants will take a 50 mg guaraná capsule by mouth every 12 hours for up to six 21-day cycles. The main outcome is the change in fatigue (baseline vs. post-intervention) measured with the FACIT-F and the Brief Fatigue Inventory (BFI). Secondary outcomes include quality of life (EORTC QLQ-C30) and adverse events. The study aims to support guaraná as a safe, accessible complementary option in supportive cancer care.

Foot Reflexology and Ta-VNS for Symptom Management in Head and Neck Cancer During CCRT

Head and neck cancer (HNC) patients undergoing concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CCRT) frequently experience pain, xerostomia, fatigue, sleep disturbance, and other treatment-related toxicities that impair quality of life and treatment adherence, with incomplete relief from current supportive care. This randomized, single-blind, sham-controlled trial evaluates whether foot reflexology (FR), transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation (ta-VNS), and auricular acupressure (AA) reduce pain, xerostomia, fatigue, sleep disturbance, and treatment-related symptoms in HNC patients receiving cisplatin-based CCRT, compared with usual care. Participants are randomized to a foot reflexology group, an auricular vagus nerve stimulation group (each with true and sham subgroups), or a usual-care control group, and are followed at baseline and weeks 1, 2, and 4.

Efficacy of Traditional Chinese Medicine Patch Application at the Shenque (RN8) Acupoint in Cancer Patients Scheduled to Undergo Radiotherapy: A Study on Cancer-Related Fatigue and Heart Rate Variability

This randomized, double-blind, parallel-group controlled clinical trial aims to evaluate the effects of traditional Chinese medicine patch application at the Shenque (RN8) acupoint on cancer-related fatigue in adult cancer patients scheduled to undergo radiotherapy. Eligible participants will be randomly assigned to receive either a traditional Chinese medicine patch or a sham patch at the same acupoint. The intervention will be applied once daily for 2 hours, 7 days per week, for 2 consecutive weeks, for a total of 14 sessions. Fatigue severity, quality of life, heart rate variability, complete blood count, and skin safety will be assessed before and after the intervention.

The Effects of a Food Product Containing Mushroom Extracts (AndoSanTM) in Subjects With Colorectal Cancer-related Fatigue

Effects of a food product containing mushroom extracts (AndoSanTM) in subjects with colorectal cancer-related fatigue. AndoSanTM is a specialized liquid food product that includes fermented extracts from the fungi Agaricus subrufesence (Agaricus blazei Murill), Hericium erinaceus, and Grifola frondosa as the main ingredients. The primary study objective is to assess the change in complaints about cancer-related fatigue while taking AndoSanTM. Further objectives are to evaluate the change in health-related quality of life (QoL) and levels

Taiwanese Green Propolis for Lipid Profiles, Fatigue, and Quality of Life in Oral Cavity Cancer Survivors

This study examined whether Taiwanese Green Propolis (TGP), a natural bee-derived supplement, can improve blood fat levels, reduce tiredness (fatigue), and improve quality of life in people who have completed treatment for oral cavity (mouth) cancer. People who had finished treatment for oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma (a type of mouth cancer) and were in the follow-up period were invited to participate. Participants were randomly assigned to take either 4 TGP capsules per day (2,000 mg/day total) or 4 identical-looking placebo capsules for 12 weeks. Neither participants nor the study team knew who received which capsules until after the study ended (double-blind). All participants were followed for a further 12 weeks after stopping the capsules. At the start and at Weeks 4, 8, 12, and 24, participants had blood tests to measure cholesterol, triglycerides, liver enzymes, and inflammation markers. They also completed questionnaires about fatigue (BFI-T), symptoms (ESAS-r), and quality of life (FACT-H\&N), and performed physical tests including grip strength and a 30-second sit-to-stand test. The study aimed to determine whether TGP can help manage the metabolic and fatigue-related problems common after oral cancer treatment, and to provide data for planning larger future trials. 25 participants were enrolled at a regional teaching hospital in northern Taiwan. Stool and saliva samples were also collected at each timepoint to assess gut and oral microbiota composition (16S rRNA sequencing) and salivary inflammatory markers. Heart rate variability was monitored via smart wristband (minimum 24 hours per timepoint).

PG2 Breast Cancer Evaluation in Adjuvant Medicine Study

Adjuvant chemotherapy usually is recommended after surgery for breast cancer patients who are at significant risk for disseminated disease. Chemotherapy has been demonstrated to reduce the risk of breast cancer recurrence. Anthracycline-based regimens, including doxorubin or epilubicin, are the breast cancer adjuvant chemotherapy standards of care. Fatigue has also been identified as the most problem for breast cancer patients under adjuvant chemotherapy. In the current study, it is aimed to show that PG2 (astragalus polysaccharides) treatment among stage II/III breast patients under adjuvant EC regimen in reduction of chemotherapy-induced toxicity and encouraging compliance with chemotherapy.

Identifying and Mobilizing Personal Resources to Improve Well-Being in Cancer Participants Using the CAERES Protocol

Cancer patients often experience emotional distress, fatigue, and reduced quality of life that may not be fully addressed by medical treatment alone. Research suggests that helping patients identify and mobilize their personal strengths and resources may support their psychological well-being. However, structured psychosocial interventions focused on personal resources have not been widely tested in cancer rehabilitation settings. The goal of this clinical trial was to test the acceptability and feasibility of a 3-week psychosocial intervention designed to help adult cancer patients identify and mobilize their personal strengths to better cope with their illness. The intervention was based on the AERES tool (Auto-Evaluation des RESsources; in english : Resources Self-Assessment), a card-sorting instrument developed at the University of Lausanne for strength-based assessment in clinical populations. The main questions it aimed to answer were: * Was the CAERES (Cancer Auto-Evaluation of RESources) intervention acceptable and feasible for cancer patients undergoing oncological treatment or rehabilitation? * Did the intervention positively affect emotional well-being, self-efficacy, posttraumatic growth, cancer-related fatigue, anxiety, depression, and satisfaction with care? Researchers compared an immediate-intervention group with a waitlist control group (3-week delay before receiving the same intervention) to see if the intervention produced measurable effects on the targeted outcomes. Participants: * Completed an in-person AERES card-sorting session (1 to 2.5 hours) to identify personal strengths across three dimensions (personal qualities, hobbies and passions, and social/environmental resources) * Received a personalized written report identifying a targeted resource to develop * Engaged in a 3-week home-based reinforcement program with three weekly phone calls (15 minutes each) and three personalized written feedback reports * Completed validated questionnaires at three time points (baseline, post-intervention, follow-up) Recruitment was conducted at three sites in Italian-speaking Switzerland: the Rehabilitation Clinic of Novaggio (EOC/Ente Ospedaliero Cantonale), the Oncology Institute of Southern Switzerland (IOSI) in Bellinzona, and a private psycho-oncology practice in Lugano, with patient referrals supported by collaborating psycho-oncologists.

Feasibility and Expansion Trial of Transcutaneous Vagus Nerve Stimulation (tVNS) for Immune-Related Fatigue in Patients Receiving Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors

This study evaluates whether a non-invasive device called transcutaneous vagus nerve stimulation (tVNS) can be safely and feasibly used to help reduce fatigue in patients receiving immunotherapy for cancer. Fatigue is a common and often severe side effect of immune checkpoint inhibitors, and there are currently limited effective treatment options. In this study, participants will use a small device at home that delivers mild electrical stimulation to the ear for 60 minutes each day over a 6-week period. The study will assess whether patients are able to use the device as prescribed (feasibility), how well it is tolerated, and whether it may improve fatigue and quality of life. The study will also explore changes in biological markers of inflammation and measures of nervous system function to better understand how tVNS may work. The results of this study will help determine whether this approach should be tested in larger future trials.

Telehealth Exercise Program Evaluating Fatigue and Physical Function in Rural Cancer Survivors

This study investigates the efficacy of a telehealth exercise program designed specifically for rural cancer survivors with cancer-related fatigue (CRF). Small dried blood samples and measures of physical function will be collected throughout the program. The main questions it aims to answer are: * Does the exercise program improve CRF in rural cancer survivors? * How do CRF, metabolism, and physical function change during the exercise program? Researchers will compare the program to a wait-list control group. This group will complete all study measures without without changing current physical activity before receiving the full exercise program. Participants will: * Complete a virtual physical assessment before and after the program. * Complete brief virtual assessments and collect dried blood samples (at home and mailed in) every two weeks during the program. * Receive a personalized exercise program including virtual sessions and remote exercise programming with a cancer exercise specialist (after a 12-week wait period in the wait-list control group). * Optional: Willing participants will visit a study site for a laboratory-based exercise assessment before and after the program.

Wearable Technology-Supported Exercise Program for Fatigue and Quality of Life in Pediatric Cancer Patients (WE-EX PedsCa)

Children and adolescents receiving cancer treatment often experience fatigue, reduced physical activity, and decreased quality of life. Although exercise has been shown to reduce these problems, maintaining regular and safe physical activity during cancer treatment can be difficult due to treatment side effects, safety concerns, and limited access to supervised programs. This study aims to evaluate the feasibility, safety, and effectiveness of a wearable technology-supported exercise program on fatigue and health-related quality of life in pediatric cancer patients aged 13 to 18 years. Participants will be randomly assigned to either an intervention group or a control group. The intervention group will participate in an 8-week structured exercise program delivered through a mobile application, including video-guided exercise sessions performed three times per week and monitored continuously using a wearable activity tracker. The control group will receive standard care and will wear the activity tracker for passive monitoring only. Fatigue and quality of life will be assessed at baseline, mid-intervention, and after completion of the program. Physical activity, heart rate, sleep patterns, and adherence to the exercise program will be objectively monitored using wearable devices. The findings from this study are expected to provide evidence on whether a digitally delivered, wearable-supported exercise program is a feasible and beneficial approach to improving well-being in children and adolescents undergoing cancer treatment.

tDCS for Cancer-Related Fatigue and Weakness

This pilot study investigates the effectiveness of non-invasive brain stimulation (tDCS) in alleviating cancer-related fatigue (CRF) and muscle weakness. Using a randomized, double-blind crossover design, participants perform fatiguing muscle tasks with and without tDCS, and outcomes include task endurance, maximal voluntary contraction force, and neuromuscular markers. Neural mechanisms will be assessed via EEG, TMS, and MRI.

PG2 Injection for the Treatment of moderate-to Severe Fatigue in Breast Cancer Patients

The objective of this study is to assess the efficacy of weekly PG2 regimen as a complementary treatment for patients with recurrent unresectable (local or regional) or metastatic breast cancer who experienced moderate to severe fatigue while receiving chemotherapies.

Longitudinal Investigation of Cancer-related Fatigue and Its Treatment (LIFT Project)

The LIFT project aims to thoroughly investigate the current status of health care in Germany regarding cancer-related fatigue from the institutional, professionals' and patients' perspective.

A Longitudinal Study to Investigate and Develop a Patient-centered and Effective Fatigue Screening

MERLIN will include 300 cancer patients at the beginning of their systemic cancer therapy. Patients' fatigue-levels will be surveyed at short time intervals during their cancer therapy and at longer intervals during the subsequent post-treatment phase.

Home-Based Exercise Program During Neoadjuvant Treatment to Improve Fatigue and Quality of Life in Early HER2-Positive and Triple-Negative Breast Cancer Patients

The goal of this trial is to learn if a home-based exercise program (intervention) reduces fatigue and improves quality of life in adult patients with early breast cancer who are proposed for preoperative chemotherapy. Conducted at Centro Hospitalar Universitário de Santo António, Porto, Portugal. It compares a structured exercise program prescribed by the physical and rehabilitation medicine team to routine counseling for physical activity by the medical oncologist. All participants will: 1. Visit the hospital 3 times for physical assessments, at beginning of chemotherapy (T0), at 3-months (T1) and 1 month after surgery (T2) 2. Reply to questionnaires of fatigue and quality of life, at T0, T1 and T2 3. Adhere to routine medical oncology visits, treatments and exams Participants of the intervention-arm will additionally: 1. Receive a exercise book, with exercise instructions and calendar 2. Have two in-person lessons about the exercise program 3. Visit the hospital 1 additional time, to have the second lesson 4. Wear a sport bracelet while exercising, to monitor heart rate Recruitment began in April 2024, with results to be shared in medical publications and conferences.

Engagement and Acceptability of the Untire mHealth App

The aim of this study will be to assess the engagement and acceptability of the Untire mHealth intervention for adults with cancer related fatigue. Acceptability will be assessed after 2, 4, 6 and 12 weeks of app use. Participants (both those competed the study and those who stopped using the app) will be asked about their engagement with the app. A secondary aim of this study will be to provide preliminary efficacy outcomes of the Untire intervention in reducing fatigue and QoL in adults experiencing cancer related fatigue.

Cancer-related Fatigue in Patients With Breast Cancer Treatment With Zhengyuan Capsules

Traditional Chinese medicine（TCM） has achieved some meaningful results in improving the symptoms and quality of life of cancer patients, but many research results need to be further verified by clinical trials with larger samples and better design.This study aims to investigate effectiveness and safety of Zhengyuan Capsules for cancer-related fatigue in patients with breast cancer.