Moffitt Cancer Center recruiting healthy volunteers for "chemo brain" study

Date: Nov-08-2013Moffitt Cancer Center is recruiting healthy volunteers to participate in a study to determine quality-of-life changes in blood and marrow transplant patients. A blood and marrow transplant (BMT) involves replacing a patient's faulty stem cells with healthy ones. Leukemia patients commonly receive this procedure to replace stem cells damaged by the high doses of chemotherapy and radiation used to treat the disease.

"Research suggests that approximately 40 percent of blood and marrow transplant patients demonstrate 'chemo brain,' or chemotherapy-related cognitive impairment. Their symptoms include trouble concentrating or remembering things and can last five or more years after treatment. The cognitive problems are not as severe as dementia, but they can be distressing and upsetting for patients," said Heather S. Jim, Ph.D., assistant member in the Health Outcomes and Behavior Program at Moffitt.

The study needs volunteers for the comparison group and is recruiting people with no history of cancer. Participants are required to give a blood sample and agree to meet with researchers three times over the next year to complete a series of questionnaires and interviews. Participants will be compensated $20 for each of the three visits. Those who are interested in participating can call 813-745-1819 or email Charissa.Hicks@Moffitt.org.

Courtesy: Medical News Today Note: Any medical information available in this news section is not intended as a substitute for informed medical advice and you should not take any action before consulting with a health care professional.