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Fast Facts
Diagnosed with breast or gastrointestinal cancer
Starting chemotherapy soon or have just started (1–2 treatments)
Compensation
up to $900
Conducted in
Baltimore, MD
Additional Information
This study is being conducted to better understand chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN), a common side effect of chemotherapy that can cause numbness, tingling, pain, weakness, and balance problems. Researchers hope to learn why some people develop these symptoms and others do not, with the goal of improving the future prediction, prevention, and treatment of chemotherapy-related nerve damage and enhancing quality of life for people receiving cancer treatment.
You may be eligible for this study if you meet the following criteria:
- Diagnosed with breast or gastrointestinal cancer
- Starting chemotherapy soon or have just started (1–2 treatments)
- Little-to-no numbness, tingling, or burning in hands/feet
- Not currently pregnant
- No history of stroke
- No history of brain injury
- Able to undergo an MRI (no claustrophobia or non-removable metal objects in the body)
- Willing to travel to Baltimore for study visits
- Ages 18+
Overall Duration
This study lasts about 9–12 months. Participants will complete three study visits, with each visit lasting about 4–5 hours.
Study Visits
During each study visit, participants will:
- Complete questionnaires about their health, symptoms, pain, fatigue, diet, and daily activities.
- Take part in sensory and physical function tests, such as light touch testing, gentle electrical stimulation, heartbeat awareness tasks, walking and balance assessments, reaction time testing, and grip strength measurements.
- Have a non-invasive brain MRI scan that lasts about 75–90 minutes.
- Provide a blood sample so researchers can study markers of nerve damage, inflammation, and genetic factors related to chemotherapy side effects.
Participants receiving chemotherapy will complete one visit before chemotherapy begins (or shortly after starting treatment), one visit shortly after chemotherapy ends, and one visit about 6 months later. Information collected during the study will be kept confidential and used only for research purposes.
Participants may receive up to $900 for completing the study. Transportation assistance is available through Lyft Concierge, or parking will be validated for those who choose to drive. Participants will also receive snacks and drinks during their study visits and copies of their brain MRI images as a thank-you for taking part in the research.
There is no cost for you to participate in our research study.