Not yet recruitingNAINTERVENTIONAL

Hodgkin's Disease and Chemotherapy Before 40 Years

This study is investigating how Hodgkin's disease and its treatments, like chemotherapy, might affect thinking skills and brain functions in people under 40. Many young people treated for Hodgkin's disease report difficulties with memory, attention, and planning, which can impact their daily lives long after treatment. Currently, it's not clear exactly why these problems happen or how they relate to emotional well-being and tiredness. This research aims to understand these changes better by using special brain scans (MRIs) and tests for thinking abilities. They hope to find out how common these issues are and what causes them, so doctors can offer better support and care to patients in the future.

At a glance

Status

Not yet recruiting

Phase

Sponsor

Lille Catholic University

Enrolment target

Start

15 May 2024

Estimated completion

01 Jan 2028

Hodgkin Disease

What is this study about?

This study is all about understanding how Hodgkin's disease, and the treatments used for it, can affect the brain and your thinking abilities. Hodgkin's disease is a type of cancer that often affects young people, typically under the age of 40, and it's good news that treatments are very effective, with most people making a full recovery.

However, some people who have had treatment for Hodgkin's disease find they have problems with things like remembering information, paying attention, or planning tasks, even many years later. These issues can really make a difference to their daily lives and work. Currently, we don't fully understand why these problems happen, or how they might be linked to feeling tired or emotional. This study aims to get a much clearer picture of these challenges.

Researchers will use special techniques, including detailed brain scans called MRIs, to look at the structure and function of the brain. They will also use specific tests, called neuropsychological assessments, to measure different thinking skills. By comparing people with Hodgkin's disease to healthy individuals, and also looking at patients before and after their treatment, the study hopes to discover exactly what changes occur and why. This information is really important because it could lead to better ways to support people and improve their quality of life after treatment.

Key takeaways

This study focuses on brain and thinking changes after Hodgkin's treatment.
It aims to help young people affected by cancer.
Participants will have brain scans (MRI) and thinking tests.
Doctors hope to find better ways to support patients' daily lives.
Participation will involve several visits over time.

Who may be eligible?

To be part of this study, you need to be between 18 and 40 years old. If you have been recently diagnosed with Hodgkin's disease and are going to have chemotherapy, with or without radiotherapy, you might be able to join. You need to speak French fluently and be able to take part in thinking tests, and, of course, agree to be in the study and sign a consent form. People who are healthy and don't have Hodgkin's disease, also aged 18 to 40 and fluent in French, can also join as a comparison group.

There are some reasons why you wouldn't be able to join. For example, if you get very anxious in small spaces (claustrophobia) and can't have an MRI scan, or if you have any other reason why an MRI isn't safe for you. You also can't have had chemotherapy before, or have a history of serious brain conditions, mental health issues like severe depression, or existing thinking problems. If you're pregnant, on certain medications, or have issues with alcohol or drug abuse, you wouldn't be eligible. Also, if you are under a legal guardian, you couldn't take part.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you between 18 and 40 years old?
Do you have a new diagnosis of Hodgkin's disease and are going to have chemotherapy?
Can you speak French fluently?
Are you able to have an MRI scan (e.g., no severe claustrophobia)?
Have you not had chemotherapy before?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you join this study, you will have several appointments. You will undergo special brain scans called MRIs, which involve lying still in a scanner. You'll also take part in neuropsychological assessments, which are a series of tests designed to check your memory, attention, and other thinking skills. For patients with Hodgkin's disease, these assessments and scans will likely happen before you start your treatment, and then again after your treatment is finished. This allows the researchers to see if and how things change. Healthy volunteers will have similar tests at specific times. The overall length of your participation will depend on the study's schedule, but it will involve repeat visits over a period of time.

Potential risks and benefits

The main benefit of taking part in this study is helping us understand more about how Hodgkin's disease and its treatments affect thinking and the brain. This knowledge could lead to better support and care for future patients. There are no direct medical benefits to you personally from taking part. The risks are similar to routine medical procedures: MRI scans are generally safe but involve lying in an enclosed space, which some people find uncomfortable. The thinking tests are harmless but can be tiring. You are always free to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without it affecting your medical care.

Locations (4)

Centre Hospitalier Artois Ternois
Verified postcode
Arras, France
Hôpital Claude Huriez
Verified postcode
Lille, France
Hôpital Saint-Philibert
Verified postcode
Lomme, France
Hôpital Victor Provo
Verified postcode
Roubaix, France

Common questions

What is Hodgkin's disease?

Hodgkin's disease is a type of cancer that starts in white blood cells called lymphocytes, which are part of your immune system. It often affects young people.

What are 'cognitive impairments'?

These are difficulties with thinking skills, such as problems with memory, paying attention, planning, or making decisions.

What is an MRI scan?

MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) is a special type of scan that uses strong magnets and radio waves to create detailed pictures of the inside of your body, including your brain.

Will I get my test results?

You should discuss with the research team whether specific individual results from your scans or thinking tests will be shared with you or your doctor.

Will taking part affect my regular medical care?

No, your decision to participate or not, or to withdraw from the study, will not affect your standard medical care or treatment for Hodgkin's disease.

How to find out more

Marie Paule LEBITASY

lebitasy.marie-paule@ghicl.net 03.20.22.57.41 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.