Clinical trial NCT02203552
Conditions: Anxiety Disorder Depression Recurrent Breast Cancer Stage IA Breast Cancer Stage IB Breast Cancer Stage II Breast Cancer Stage IIIA Breast Cancer Stage IIIB Breast Cancer Stage IIIC Breast Cancer
Keywords: Breast Cancer
Sponsor: Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center
Start date: 2015-06-23; Completion date: 2020-06-15
Enrollment: 56 participants; Allocation: RANDOMIZED; Intervention model: PARALLEL

Brief summary:
This randomized clinical trial studies how well minocycline hydrochloride works in reducing chemotherapy induced depression and anxiety in patients with stage I-III breast cancer. Minocycline hydrochloride may prevent changes in memory and thinking and improve the quality of life of breast cancer patients receiving chemotherapy.

Detailed description:
PRIMARY OBJECTIVES:

I. To evaluate anxiety and depression in women with stages I-III breast cancer during the first 8 weeks of doxorubicin-based adjuvant therapy randomized to receive either minocycline (minocycline hydrochloride) or placebo.

II. To evaluate markers of neuro-inflammation as assessed by blood based inflammatory cytokines and C11-choline positron emission tomography (PET) in women with stages I-III breast cancer during the first 8 weeks of doxorubicin-based adjuvant therapy randomized to receive either minocycline or placebo.

OUTLINE: Patients are randomized to 1 of 2 arms.

ARM I: Beginning 1 week prior to chemotherapy, patients receive minocycline hydrochloride orally (PO) twice daily (BID) for 9 weeks.

ARM II: Beginning 1 week prior to chemotherapy, patients receive placebo PO BID for 9 weeks.

After completion of study treatment, patients are followed up for 6 months.

Arms: arm 1: Beginning 1 week prior to chemotherapy, patients receive minocycline hydrochloride orally PO BID for 9 weeks. Laboratory biomarker analysis will also be obtained weekly on protocol. Questionnaire administration weekly. arm 2: Beginning 1 week prior to chemotherapy, patients receive placebo PO BID for 9 weeks. Laboratory biomarker analysis will also be obtained weekly on protocol. Questionnaire administration weekly.
Interventions: intervention 1: minocycline hydrochloride intervention 2: placebo intervention 3: laboratory biomarker analysis intervention 4: Questionnaire administration
Intervention descriptions: intervention 1: 100 mg bid given by mouth for 9 weeks intervention 2: Placebo given by mouth for 9 weeks intervention 3: Correlative blood levels for cortisol, high sensitivity c-reactive protein (hs-CRP) and inflammatory factors including but not limited to IL-6, TNF-α, IL-1β, and MCP-1 will also be obtained weekly on protocol. intervention 4: The CES-D and STAI will be administrated weekly.

Protocol documents:
Prot_SAP_000.pdf: 
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Title:  Randomized Placebo Controlled Study of Minocycline for Amelioration of 
Chemotherapy Induced Affective Disorders 
 
 
 
 
 
Principal Investigators: 
 
Bhuvaneswari Ramaswamy, MD 
Professor of Internal Medicine 
Division of Medical Oncology 
James Cancer Hospital and the Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center 
1335 Lincoln Tower 
1800 Cannon Dr. 
Columbus, OH 43210 
Email: Bhuvaneswari.Ramaswamy@osumc.edu 
 
Courtney DeVries, PhD 
Professor of Neuroscience and Psychology 
The Ohio State University 
460 W 12th Ave, Rm 614 
Columbus OH 43210 
Courtney.DeVries@osumc.edu 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Performance Site: 
The Stefanie Spielman Comprehensive Breast Center, The Ohio State Comprehensive 
CancerCenter, Columbus, Ohio 
 
IND number:  
 
 
 
Not applicable 
 
Funding: 
Pelotonia Clinical Trial Award 2013. Under NCI review for R01 funding (12th percentile on first 
submission) 
 
 


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Table of Contents 
1.0 Schema ................................................................................................................................... 3 
2.0 Introduction ............................................................................................................................. 4 
3.0 Objectives ............................................................................................................................... 6 
4.0 Study Design ........................................................................................................................... 6 
5.0 Eligibility criteria ...................................................................................................................... 7 
6.0 Registration, stratification, and data submission ..................................................................... 7 
7.0 Pharmaceutical information for minocycline and placebo ....................................................... 8 
8.0 Evaluation of affective and cognitive symptoms  .................................................................... 8 
9.0 Treatment plan ........................................................................................................................ 9 
       9.1 Treatment plan and overview ........................................................................................... 9 
       9.2 Correlative studies ......................................................................................................... 10 
       9.3 Clinical assessments ..................................................................................................... 11 
       9.4Adherence ....................................................................................................................... 11 
       9.5 Data and records ........................................................................................................... 11 
       9.6 Safety monitoring…………………………………………………………............................11       
9.7Accountability ......................................................................................................................... 11 
10.0 Procedures for patient entry on study ................................................................................. 12 
11.0 Potential toxicity, dose modifications, and management .................................................... 12 
12.0 Adverse Event reporting ..................................................................................................... 15 
13.0 Criteria for response assessment ....................................................................................... 17 
14.0 Study calendar .................................................................................................................... 18 
15.0 Criteria for removal of patients from protocol therapy……………………………................. 18 
16.0 Ethical and regulatory considerations ................................................................................. 18 
17.0 Statistical considerations .................................................................................................... 20 
18.0References………………………………………………………………………………………… 21 
19.0 Appendix……………………………………………………………………………………………25 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 


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Study Schema 
 
 


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2.0 
Introduction 
 
Increased utilization of mammographic screening and adjuvant therapy improves the long-term 
survival of women with breast cancer (BC), who comprise the largest group of cancer survivors in 
the United States.  The incidence of depression and anxiety is approximately 3-5 times higher 
among BC patients than healthy women in the general population (20-30% versus 6%, 
respectively), 1 and is present in a greater proportion of BC survivors who receive chemotherapy 
than those who do not.2 Furthermore, depression can persist for years following treatment3,4 and 
is associated with reduced survival following treatment.5-8 Therefore, alleviating anxiety and 
depression among BC survivors is important for quality of life (QOL) as well as long-term health 
outcomes.  
 
Despite the high incidence of affective disorders among women being treated for BC, very little is 
known about the etiology of affective disorders that develop during adjuvant chemotherapy. 
Current strategies for BC patients include anti-depressants and counseling. Compliance with anti-
depressants is poor, discontinuations are frequent during the first month of therapy and 
approximately 25% of patients do not inform their physician about stopping their antidepressant 
medication.9,10 This is due to multiple factors such stigma attached to anti-depressant use, side-
effects, and lack of efficacy.11-13 The consequences of affective disorders impact overall health 
outcomes. For example, non-depressed patients are 3 times as likely to comply with treatment as 
depressed patients.14 Furthermore, some antidepressants potentially inhibit cytochrome P450 
2D6, required to activate tamoxifen, a commonly prescribed anti-estrogen treatment. 15 16,17 
 
Chemotherapy induced cognitive changes 
 
Chemotherapy may adversely affect the brain, leading to deficits in memory, concentration, 
processing time, verbal fluency, and mental fatigue in a sub-set of patients.18,19  Indeed, significant 
alterations in the functional and structural architecture of the brain have also been reported in 
individuals undergoing chemotherapy, and these changes can persist for up to 10 years post-
chemotherapy.19,20 Specifically, increased age and reduced cognitive reserve have been 
associated with decreased processing speed among breast cancer patients following 
chemotherapy [2].  Perceived and real cognitive deficits have broad implications for quality of life 
(QOL) among survivors18; women report that post-chemotherapy cognitive deficits are frustrating 
and detrimental to their self-confidence, social relationships, and their ability to perform as 
effectively at work as before treatment. Despite several studies documenting chemotherapy-
related cognitive deficits and concerns raised by patients over the impact of perceived cognitive 
deficits on their QOL, the etiology remains unknown. Likewise, there are no known preventative 
or therapeutic treatments for chemotherapy’s cognitive effects. 
 
Inflammation and Affective Disorders 
 
Causal links between inflammatory mediators and the development of a constellation of behaviors 
referred to as “sickness behaviors” have been established in animal models. 21 Sickness 
behaviors include depressive-like behavior, anorexia, allodynia and lethargy. Based on these 
observations, elevated concentrations of proinflammatory cytokines and chemokines are 
hypothesized to underlie the development of depression and anxiety among cancer patients.22,23 
Indeed, doxorubicin (DOX) + cyclophosphamide chemotherapy is among the most commonly 
used and most effective regimens for treating BC. However, it appears to be more pro-
inflammatory than some other regimens, which could lead to increased incidence of “sickness 
behaviors.” Specifically, DOX + cyclophosphamide has been shown to cause an increase in 
interleukin-6 (IL-6), IL-8, monocyte chemotactic protein-1 (MCP-1), tumor necrosis factor 


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alpha(TNF-α) and its related receptors in women and mice, and IL-1β, and granulocyte colony 
stimulating factor in mice.24-26 Furthermore, studies in IL-1 receptor-deficient mice suggest that IL-
1β mediates, at least in part, the proinflammatory cascade that develops after DOX treatment,25 
while, peripheral immune-neutralization of TNF-α prevents DOX-induced increases in brain TNF-
α in animal models. 26   
 
DOX also increases several measures of oxidative stress in serum and brains of rodents within 
days of the first chemotherapy treatment27-30 31 DOX also causes an increase in anxiety-like 
behavior within an hour of the first injection, and that the anxiety-like behavior persists for at least 
3 days.32 Thus, oxidative stress and neuroinflammation are two interrelated processes through 
which chemotherapy may be affecting the function and survival of neurons. 
 
 
Inflammation and cognitive changes 
 
Several researchers have proposed that elevated concentrations of proinflammatory cytokines 
and chemokines underlie the development of the cognitive and affective side-effects of 
chemotherapy.22,23,33 Indeed, DOX + cyclophosphamide chemotherapy is among the most 
commonly used and most effective regimens for treating breast cancer, however, it appears to be 
more pro-inflammatory than some other regimens, which could increase the incidence of 
“sickness behaviors”, including cognitive deficits; specifically Dox + cyclophosphamide increases 
interleukin-6 (IL-6) , IL-8, monocyte chemotactic protein-1 (MCP-1), tumor necrosis factor 
alpha(TNF-α) and its related receptors in women and mice, and IL-1β, and granulocyte colony 
stimulating factor in mice.25,34 Furthermore, studies in IL-1 receptor-deficient mice, suggest that 
IL-1β mediates, at least in part, the proinflammatory cascade that develops after Dox treatment25, 
whereas, peripheral immunoneutralization of TNF-α in rats prevents doxorubicin-induced 
increases in brain TNF-α.26 Very few rodent studies have examined chemotherapy-induced 
changes in behavior, although a recent paper reported that anxiety-like behavior is apparent 
within an hour of Dox injection and persists for at least 3 days.32 However, despite increased 
incidence of cognitive deficits among cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy, and numerous 
hypothesis papers proposing a role of chemotherapy-induced neuroinflammation in the onset of 
cognitive disorders, no published studies have assessed whether a causal relationship exists 
between proinflammatory cytokines and cognitive deficits following chemotherapy; the best 
clinical evidence to date is correlative. 
 
In addition to DOX, we know clinically that other types of chemotherapy including all agents 
received in the adjuvant and neoadjuvant settings are also associated with affective and cognitive 
changes. Since this is a preliminary feasibility study, it will be important to include all utilized 
agents in order for the study results to have broader applicability. 
 
Minocycline Mechanism of Action 
 
Minocycline, a member of second generation tetracycline analogs, is a highly lipophilic oral 
antibiotic, and currently approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the 
treatment of susceptible bacterial infections caused by gram-negative, gram-positive organism 
and atypical organisms. This drug is well-tolerated for long term use for up to 200 mg a day, with 
most common toxicity being mild gastrointestinal effects.  Of most relevance to this proposal, 
minocycline readily crosses the blood brain barrier to suppress inflammation by inhibiting 
microglial activation in a variety of CNS disease models including cerebral ischemia, CNS 
inflammation, traumatic brain injury and spinal cord injury.35-38 Minocycline and other tetracyclines 
are routinely administered during chemotherapy as part of standard of care for treatment of 


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infections. There are no known drug interactions between minocycline, doxorubicin, 
cyclophosphamide or other supportive care drugs commonly utilized during chemotherapy. 
Further, minocycline is not an antibiotic that is routinely used to treat active infections during 
chemotherapy and does not interact with standard antibiotics used. Therefore, it will not matter 
whether patients are on placebo or minocycline. Both groups will receive standard antibiotics if 
needed.  
 
Rationale and feasibility 
 
The biologic mechanism underlying development of anxiety and depression during 
chemotherapy, however has not been previously demonstrated. Preliminary studies by our group 
in ovariectomized mice indicate a causal relationship between increased microglial activation and 
anxiety-like and depressive-like behavior following chemotherapy. Microglia are resident immune 
cells of the brain, which release proinflammatory cytokines, including IL-1β and TNF-α, and 
reactive oxygen species when they become activated. Doxorubicin chemotherapy induces 
microglial activation in the brain within several days of the first administration, which is associated 
with increased depressive-like behavior in mice. Minocycline is well-tolerated and has no adverse 
pharmacologic interactions with chemotherapy. We hypothesize that chemotherapy activates 
microglia in the brains of women being treated for breast cancer, which in turn can 
precipitate or exacerbate depression and anxiety and cognitive changes.  Minocycline is an 
immunomodulater that attenuates activation of microglia. Administration of minocycline orally 
during neoadjuvant or adjuvant chemotherapy will prevent chemotherapy-induced microglial 
activation will reduce measures of depression and anxiety in breast cancer patients. 
 
3.0 
Objectives 
 
The objectives of this study are to: 
 
Objective 1- To evaluate symptoms related to anxiety and depression and cognitive changes in 
women with stages I-III breast cancer during doxorubicin-based or other chemotherapy regimens 
for breast cancer randomized to receive either minocycline or placebo 
 
 
Objective 2- To evaluate markers of neuroinflammation as assessed by blood based 
inflammatory cytokines and C11-choline PET in in women with stages I-III breast cancer during  
doxorubicin-based or other chemotherapy regimens for breast cancer randomized to receive 
either minocycline or placebo.  
 
 
4.0 
Study Design 
 
This is a double blinded randomized study of minocycline (100 mg BID) vs placebo BID women 
with BC receiving DOX-based chemotherapy or other chemotherapy for breast cancer. Eligible 
participants will be women with BC who will be undergoing treatment at the Stefanie Spielman 
Comprehensive Breast Center. Informed consent will be obtained from those who meet the study 
criteria (see inclusion/exclusion criteria) and are interested in participating. Typically, women 
begin chemotherapy within 8 weeks of breast surgery provided there are no surgical 
complications. Participation in the study will not affect the dose or the timing of subsequent 
chemotherapy treatments. Consented participants will be randomized to either oral administration 
of minocycline or a placebo with matched appearance for up to a 1 week loading period plus 
chemotherapy treatment period and an optional subsequent two week period.  


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An additional cohort will be assessed of women with BC who received DOX-based chemotherapy 
or other chemotherapy for breast cancer with self-reporting chemotherapy brain symptoms while 
on chemotherapy or within 18 months of completing the chemotherapy. These patients will then 
be assigned minocycline (100 mg BID) for 6 months. At baseline, 3 month and 6 month intervals 
they will undergo questionnaires and imaging.  
 
5.0 
Eligibility Criteria 
 
Inclusion criteria 
 
• 
Women diagnosed with breast cancer stages I-III initiating first line adjuvant or 
neoadjuvant DOX chemotherapy or other chemotherapy for breast cancer 
• 
Age >18 years. 
• 
Ability to understand English and read and write at the 8th grade level and give a written 
informed consent document. 
• 
For additional cohort, women with breast cancer stages I-III who currently on or within 18 
months of completing first line adjuvant or neoadjuvant DOX chemotherapy or other 
chemotherapy for breast cancer. 
• 
 
 
Exclusion Criteria 
 
• 
Rheumatoid arthritis and other types of autoimmune and inflammatory joint disease, with 
the exception of osteoarthritis and fibromyalgia.  
• 
Concurrent other malignancy or metastatic malignancy of any kind 
• 
Known bleeding disorders. 
• 
Current use of warfarin or other anticoagulants. 
• 
Uncontrolled intercurrent illness including, but not limited to, ongoing or active infection, 
symptomatic congestive heart failure, unstable angina pectoris, cardiac arrhythmia, or 
psychiatric illness/social situation that would limit compliance with study requirements. 
• 
Pregnant or nursing women. 
• 
Unable to give informed consent. 
• 
Tetracycline allergy 
• 
Patient is able to opt out of MRI/PET examinations if there are any contraindications to 
examinations including, but not limited to, refusal to participate, ferromagnetic metal in the 
body, pacemaker or severe claustrophobia. 
 
6.0 
Registration, stratification and data submission 
 
Subjects, who have given informed consent, will be registered by the research coordinator and 
given a study number. Each subject will be randomized to either minocycline capsules or placebo 
capsules using a fixed-block 1:1 randomization. A randomization table will be used to define which 
randomized group each enrolled subject will fall under. Only the pharmaceutical compounding 
company (SBH Medical, Worthington, Ohio) will be aware of the study group assignment so the 
appropriate supplement can be dispensed.  Size of the randomized block will be known only by 
the statistician to help preserve blinding by study investigators. 
 
Subjects of additional cohort, who have given informed consent, will be registered by the 
research coordinator and given a study number. Each subject will receive minocycline capsules.  


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7.0 
Minocycline and Placebo Pharmaceutical Information 
 
The same dose of minocycline that we propose to use is the FDA approved human dose and has 
been shown to reduce microglial activation in the brain in individuals with movement disorders39. 
Participants will be prescribed oral minocycline twice daily (100 mg BID) or the placebo (one 
capsule BID) beginning up to 7 days prior to chemotherapy, through four cycles of chemotherapy 
and optionally continuing through two weeks after their fourth cycle of chemotherapy treatment. 
Drug can be started on same day as chemotherapy start. The matched placebo is being 
specifically manufactured and will be indistinguishable from the active capsule (SBH Medical, 
Worthington, Ohio). No known interactions exist between minocycline and chemotherapy/pre-
medications used. Also there are no data to suggest that minocycline is antagonistic with the anti-
tumor effects of chemotherapy and it is currently in use with patients undergoing chemotherapy 
who need minocycline for other indications.40 Compliance will be monitored by patient report 
through pill diaries and pill counts. Absorption of minocycline is potentially impaired by laxatives 
and antacids containing aluminum, calcium, or magnesium, and iron-containing  preparations, so 
patients will be instructed to avoid products that contain these ingredients  for 2 hours before and 
2 hours after minocycline ingestion. Study drug will be initiated up to one week prior to cycle 1 of 
chemotherapy and continue for up to two weeks after their fourth cycle of chemotherapy, 
optionally continuing through two weeks after their fourth cycle. All of the measures assessed by 
the study objectives will be evaluated by providers and research staff blinded to patient’s 
treatment assignment. Active drug and placebo pills will be dispensed by a staff pharmacist who 
will be blinded to patient’s randomized status. Only the pharmaceutical compounding company 
(SBH Medical, Worthington, Ohio) will be aware of the study group assignment.  Unblinding will 
take place only in the event of concerns regarding toxicity or an adverse event.  
 
During the study, patients are allowed to follow standard of care recommendations for NSAIDs 
and steroids as needed for management of chemotherapy induced nausea and pain syndromes 
from chemotherapy and pegfilgrastrim. The study coordinator will make notes of the use and 
amounts used of these drugs during each visit. If antibiotics are needed during treatment for 
treatment of infection, study drug will be held during antibiotic therapy. Patients with > 14 day 
delay in restart of study drug will be taken off study.  
 
8.0 Evaluation of Affective Symptoms During Chemotherapy 
 
Primary endpoints are changes in Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale (CES-D) 
and State Trait Anxiety Index (STAI) from baseline to end of study after minocycline vs. placebo 
intervention (Aim 1). The CES-D and STAI will be administrated serially every cycle start on 
protocol during clinic visits (Patients will self-administer forms given out by research coordinator). 
These instruments have been reliably used with BC patients/survivors and are well-characterized.  
The internal consistency for the STAI is .95; higher scores indicate greater anxiety.41 The internal 
consistency for the CES-D is approximately .85 among BC patients,42 and an important benefit of 
using this scale in medical studies is that it is relatively unaffected by physical symptoms. Total 
scores range from 0-60 with higher scores reflecting greater depressive symptoms. Although we 
expect severe depression and suicidal ideation to be rare in this population43,44, there is a 
screening and safety plan.  At baseline, depressive symptom severity will be assessed using the 
CES-D instrument. Dr. Cheavens (Co-I, Clinical Psychologist) and/or social work will be available 
to evaluate the patient’s assessments if suicidal ideation is reported at baseline.  The subject will 
be withdrawn from the study and treatment referrals will be provided. During the trial, an increase 
on the CES-D above a score of 20, will trigger a risk assessment. Dr. Cheavens and/or social 
work will be available to help manage patients’ symptoms.  In the case of significant depressive 


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severity or suicide risk (as determined by Dr. Cheavens and/or social work), the subject will be 
referred to psychotropic or psychotherapeutic intervention immediately, and removed from the 
study. 
 
8.1 Evaluation of cognitive changes during chemotherapy 
 
Secondary endpoints are changes in cognitive function during chemotherapy. The cognitive 
battery will include standardized neuropsychological tests that have been previously 
demonstrated in prospective studies to detect neurocognitive changes during breast cancer 
chemotherapy. (See table on page 9). Testing will be done at baseline, within two weeks after the 
fourth cycle of chemo, and again 6 months after completion of chemotherapy. The MRI N-Back 
Test is optional and therefore may not be completed during these time points. These will be 
administered by the research coordinator assigned to the study as well as graduate student in Dr. 
Courtney DeVries’ Laboratory.  
 
 
Task 
Domain 
Time to 
Complete (min) 
Representative 
Reference 
Multifactorial 
Memory 
Questionnaire 
Ability scale 
Self-appraisal of 
memory capabilities 
 
46,47 
Behavioral Rating 
Inventory of 
Executive Function*  
Assesses executive 
function 
5-10 
46 
N-Back Test 
Working memory task 
during fMRI 
8 
48 
Revised UCLA 
Loneliness Scale 
Loneliness 
5 
49 
 
*Completed during MRI procedure, no patient forms needed 
 
9.0 TREATMENT PLAN 
 
9.1 
Overview 
 
After obtaining informed written consent, participants will be randomized to either the intervention 
of minocycline or placebo.  One pill will be taken twice a day with or without food. No 
premedication is required.  
 
The study will require visits concurrent with chemotherapy visits during study intervention.  At 
each visit, self-report diaries (adverse events, record of study drug doses taken/missed) will be 
collected, and pill count will be recorded by the research coordinator. Medications and 
supplements will be reviewed with participants and a history and physical examination will be 
performed at each visit.  Study drugs will be dispensed once at the initiation of study protocol with 
enough pills for the optional one week prior to chemotherapy start, throughout four cycles of 
chemotherapy and continuing optionally for an additional two weeks after their fourth cycle. Pill 
compliance will be conducted with the start of each cycle through pill counts and pill diaries to 
ensure proper reconciliation and adherence.  
 


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If the patient’s chemotherapy is held, the patients should continue taking study medication. During 
this hold, the patient will dose from the optional supply provided to them.  
 
In the additional cohort, after obtaining informed written consent, participants will be assigned 
minocycline (100 mg BID) for 6 months. Questionnaires and imaging will be assessed at baseline, 
3 month and 6 month intervals of minocycline treatment.  
 
 
 
9.2 
Correlative/special studies 
 
Inflammatory biomarker analysis:  
 
Correlative blood levels for cortisol, high sensitivity c-reactive protein (hs-CRP), inflammatory 
factors including but not limited to IL-6, TNF-α, IL-1β, and MCP-1  IL-6, TNF-α, IL-1β, and MCP-
1 will be obtained every cycle during study period(Aim 2).  Cytokine single nucleotide 
polymorphisms will be checked within the same blood specimens. The primary comparison will 
be in changes from baseline to the end of treatment. The blood samples (10 ml collected in a  
plain red top tube with no gel separator) collected will be centrifuged to obtain serum, and then 
aliquoted and stored at -80oC (completed at SSCBC; see appendix page 25). These aliquots  will 
then be batch analyzed in DeVries’ (PI) laboratory for cortisol, high sensitivity c-reactive 
protein(hs-CRP), IL-6, TNF-α, IL-1β, and MCP-1 using ELISA; cortisol will be measured because 
it is a hormone often used as an index of stress and high levels are associated with 
depression.50,51 Serum C-reactive protein, IL-6, IL-1β, and TNF-α will be measured as indicators 
of inflammation. Participants will be scheduled for the first appointment of the day to ensure that 
the blood samples are all collected within a 2 hour window. 
 
Neuro/PET imaging:   
 
Each enrolled patient will have the opportunity to undergo an optional neuro PET imaging to 
evaluate CNS levels of inflammation. (PET will mandatory for patients in the additional cohort, 
who are already experiencing chemotherapy brain symptoms). In addition to F18FDG PET, when 
available, we will utilize PK11195 labeled with 11C for PET imaging studies. Labeling and imaging 
will take place under the direction of Dr. Michael Knopp (Co-I), Director of the OSU Wright Center 
for Imaging (see letter of support).  PK11195 ligand targets the translocator protein-18 kDa 
(TSPO) located on the outer mitochondrial membrane of microglia. TSPO expression is increased 
in neuroinflammation, and has been used as an index of microglial activation in several 
neuroinflammatory disease states.52,53  
 
Neuro MRI imaging: 
 
 
In addition to neuro PET imaging, patients will also have the option to undergo a neuro MRI 
imaging. To investigate cognitive changes associated with our intervention, we will use a multi-
modal imaging protocol at 7 Tesla. Functional MRI (fMRI; scan time 6 min) will assess group 
differences in cortical activation during the N-back test. Resting State Functional MRI (rs-fMRI; 
scan time 7 min), will explore the brain networks.  Structural MRI (total scan time 24 min): a) T1 
weighted magnetization prepared rapid gradient echo 3D image will be acquired with a voxel 
resolution of 1mm x 1mm 0.5 x 0.5 x 2 mm3, TR/TE 23/12 ms; this approach allows registration 
to a standard brain atlas and measurement of white and gray matter volume and percent brain 
volume change. b) T2 fluid attenuated inversion recovery image will also be acquired. c) Diffusion 


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weighted imaging will be used to explore the white matter connectivity and changes in its 
microstructure. The increase in sensitivity at 7 T to the BOLD effect coupled with the increase in 
image resolution significantly improves the functional sensitivity compared to lower magnetic field 
imaging.54 Importantly, the regions of the brain we are examining are minimally affected by 7 T 
image distortion artifacts. (2 (3) Co-registration of PET and MRI: Images from all modalities will 
be co-registered to the high resolution T1 weighted MR image for each subject. Also, the T1 
images will be co-registered to the MNI template [76] using FSL12 [77] and AFNI tools.  fMRI 
images will be corrected for distortion and then statistical parametric maps will be created. For 
each task based fMRI, group analysis will be performed to find spatial brain activation differences 
between the treated and placebo groups where the z-scores are greater than 2.3. For the rs-fMRI 
studies, group level independent component analysis will be implemented to identify 100 
components. Then, functional parcellation of the cortical and subcortical components will be 
created. For the patient group, functional correlation between different neural networks will 
examined chronically and compared with that of the placebo group. The total maximum whole 
body exposure for all three scan time points is 2111 mrem, which is within the acceptable range 
by human safety IRB standards. 
 
 
9.3 
Clinical assessments 
 
Clinic visits 
 
Participants will be evaluated during routine clinic/chemotherapy encounters approximately every 
2-3 weeks (with each cycle of chemotherapy). Blood draws and study questionnaires will be 
obtained at the same time. Participants will be requested to keep a diary to record of their intake of 
study pills as well as any signs or symptoms considered related to the study intervention.  The 
diaries will be collected and reviewed during the clinic visits.  
 
 
9.4 
Adherence 
 
Participant adherence with the study intervention will be encouraged and monitored in several 
ways.  Subjects will maintain a daily diary in which to check off the doses of study drug/placebo 
when taken. At study visits, participants will return their pill containers to study personnel, who 
will count and record leftover pills.  
 
9.5 
Data and records 
 
Primary source documents will include forms routinely used at the Stefanie Spielman 
Comprehensive Breast Center, namely the Breast Patient Information Form, clinic and office notes 
as well as laboratory and radiology reports, including documentation found in the electronic medical 
record (EPIC).   
 
9.6 
Safety monitoring 
 
Adverse events will be monitored by self-reporting of signs and symptoms.  Patients will maintain a 
daily diary of time of drug/placebo intake and any possible ill effects, with instructions to contact the 
PI or Research Nurse to discuss and manage any possible side effects.  
 
9.7 
Accountability 
 


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Study drugs (both minocycline and placebo) will be provided at no cost to the patient.  Pill bottles 
will be provided to the patient, with the start date and number of pills recorded.  The drugs will be 
provided in sufficient supply for  one optional week prior to chemotherapy, four cycles of 
chemotherapy and +/- two optional additional weeks after chemotherapy.  Pill bottles will be 
collected at each cycle’s follow-up visits, and any unused capsules will be documented and 
counted to ensure proper adherence. The pill bottle will be returned to the patient after pill 
reconciliation until the end of study protocol. Additionally, there will be no charge for research 
related blood work and imaging.  
 
 
10.0 
PROCEDURES FOR PATIENT ENTRY ON STUDY 
 
This study will be open for accrual at the Stefanie Spielman James Comprehensive Breast Center.  
This trial will be conducted under the auspices of The Ohio State University.  Patient eligibility will 
be determined according to the eligibility criteria listed.  
 
Eligible patients will be approached by study personnel in the clinics at Stefanie Spielman 
Comprehensive Breast Center.  There will be monetary compensation for completion of various 
study precedures to account for patient’s time. The person obtaining informed consent will tell the 
patient that 1) participation is voluntary, 2) participation or non-participation will not affect their usual 
care and management, and 3) patient confidentiality will be maintained in the event that the results 
of the study are published.  The potential toxicities associated with minocycline will be explained 
fully to the patient.  Patients will be informed of the need for, blood tests, physical 
examinations,questionnaires prior to entry into the study  and at several specified intervals during 
study period. Patients will be provided with a consent form to review, and all questions answered. 
 
After signed informed consent has been obtained, a study identification number will be assigned 
to the patient for use on all data collection forms and samples.  A request for randomization will 
be given to the SBH Compounding Pharmacy who will enter study number into a randomization 
spreadsheet designed by statistician at the OSU Center for Biostatistics. By entering patient 
number, the randomization assignment will be given to the staff at SBJ who will then dispense 
the drug which will be shipped to OSU to be given to the patient by IDS pharmacy. Only SBH will 
have access to randomized assignments until study closure or if there is a serious adverse event 
necessitating unblinding of study investigators or if patient withdraws from study. 
 
 
11.0 
POTENTIAL TOXICITY, DOSE MODIFICATIONS, AND MANAGEMENT 
 
The severity of adverse reactions is categorized as grade 1 to grade 5 in increasing severity.  These 
will be attributed separately to both chemotherapy and study drugs. 
 
 General descriptors for the toxicity grades range from none to fatal:   
Grade 1 – Mild (The adverse reaction does not interfere in a significant manner with the subject’s 
normal functioning level.  It may be an annoyance.) 
Grade 2 – Moderate (The adverse reaction produces some impairment of functioning but is not 
hazardous to health.  It is uncomfortable and/or an embarrassment) 
Grade 3 – Severe (The adverse reaction produces significant impairment of funcitoning or 
incapacitation and is a definite hazard to the subject’s health) 
Grade 4 – Adverse reactions that include or lead to either a) a life-threatening event, though acute 
and without permanent effect,  b) prolonged inability to resume usual life pattern, or c) impairment 
of ability to adequately deal with future medical problems 


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Grade 5 – Death related to AE 
 
Toxicity will be monitored during study visits and telephone calls using the National Cancer Institute 
Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events v4.0 (CTCAE) of the National Cancer Institute 
will 
be 
used 
(http://evs.nci.nih.gov/ftp1/CTCAE/CTCAE_4.02_2998-09-
15_QuickReference_5x7.pdf).  Grade 3, 4 and 5 toxicities will be reported as adverse events.   
 
Patients with Grade 3-4 adverse reactions that are related to the study will be removed from the 
study.  No dose modifications are permitted for study drug.  
 
Listed below are specific categories for potential adverse effects associated minocycline. No dose 
modifications will be made. Patients with grade 3 or 4 adverse events attributed to minocycline will 
be removed from the study. 
Due to oral minocycline’s virtually complete absorption, side effects to the lower bowel, 
particularly diarrhea, have been infrequent. The following adverse reactions have been 
observed in patients receiving tetracyclines. 
Body as a Whole: Fever, and discoloration of secretions. 
Gastrointestinal: Anorexia, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, dyspepsia, stomatitis, glossitis, 
dysphagia, enamel hypoplasia, enterocolitis, pseudomembranous colitis, pancreatitis, 
inflammatory lesions (with monilial overgrowth) in the oral and anogenital regions. Instances of 
esophagitis and esophageal ulcerations have been reported in patients taking the tetracycline-
class antibiotics in capsule and tablet form. Most of these patients took the medication 
immediately before going to bed  
Genitourinary: Vulvovaginitis. 
Hepatic Toxicity: Hyperbilirubinemia, hepatic cholestasis, increases in liver enzymes, fatal 
hepatic failure, and jaundice. Hepatitis, including autoimmune hepatitis, and liver failure have 
been reported. 
Skin: Alopecia, erythema nodosum, hyperpigmentation of nails, pruritus, toxic epidermal 
necrolysis, and vasculitis. Maculopapular and erythematous rashes. Exfoliative dermatitis has 
been reported. Fixed drug eruptions have been reported. Lesions occurring on the glans penis 
have caused balanitis. Erythema multiforme and Stevens-Johnson syndrome have been 
reported. Photosensitivity. Pigmentation of the skin and mucous membranes has been reported. 
Respiratory: Cough, dyspnea, bronchospasm, exacerbation of asthma, and pneumonitis. 
Renal Toxicity: Interstitial nephritis. Elevations in BUN have been reported and are apparently 
dose relatated. Reversible acute renal failure has been reported.  
Musculoskeletal: Arthralgia, arthritis, bone discoloration, myalgia, joint stiffness, and joint 
swelling. 
Hypersensitivity Reactions: Urticaria, angioneurotic edema, polyarthralgia, 
anaphylaxis/anaphylactoid reaction (including shock and fatalities), anaphylactoid purpura, 
myocarditis, pericarditis, exacerbation of systemic lupus erythematosus and pulmonary 
infiltrates with eosinophilia have been reported. A transient lupus-like syndrome and serum 
sickness-like reactions also have been reported. 
Blood: Agranulocytosis, hemolytic anemia, thrombocytopenia, leukopenia, neutropenia, 
pancytopenia, and eosinophilia have been reported. 


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Central Nervous System: Convulsions, dizziness, hypesthesia, paresthesia, sedation, and 
vertigo. Bulging fontanels in infants and benign intracranial hypertension (pseudotumor cerebri) 
in adults have been reported. Headache has also been reported. 
Other: Thyroid cancer has been reported in the post-marketing setting in association with 
minocycline products. When minocycline therapy is given over prolonged periods, monitoring for 
signs of thyroid cancer should be considered. When given over prolonged periods, tetracyclines 
have been reported to produce brown-black microscopic discoloration of the thyroid gland. 
Cases of abnormal thyroid function have been reported. 
Tooth discoloration in children less than 8 years of age and also, in adults has been reported. 
Oral cavity discoloration (including tongue, lip, and gum) have been reported. 
Tinnitus and decreased hearing have been reported in patients on minocycline hydrochloride. 
The following syndromes have been reported. In some cases involving these syndromes, death 
has been reported. As with other serious adverse reactions, if any of these syndromes are 
recognized, the drug should be discontinued immediately: 
Hypersensitivity syndrome consisting of cutaneous reaction (such as rash or exfoliative 
dermatitis), eosinophilia, and one or more of the following: hepatitis, pneumonitis, nephritis, 
myocarditis, and pericarditis. Fever and lymphadenopathy may be present. 
Lupus-like syndrome consisting of positive antinuclear antibody; arthralgia, arthritis, joint 
stiffness, or joint swelling; and one or more of the following: fever, myalgia, hepatitis, rash, and 
vasculitis. 
Serum sickness-like syndrome consisting of fever; urticaria or rash; and arthralgia, arthritis, joint 
stiffness, or joint swelling. Eosinophilia may be present. 
Contraindications 
This drug is contraindicated in persons who have shown hypersensitivity to any of the 
tetracyclines or to any of the components of the product formulation. 
 
Warnings 
Minocycline hydrochloride capsules, like other tetracycline-class antibiotics, can cause fetal 
harm when administered to a pregnant woman. If any tetracycline is used during pregnancy or if 
the patient becomes pregnant while taking these drugs, the patient should be apprised of the 
potential hazard to the fetus. The use of drugs of the tetracycline class during tooth 
development (last half of pregnancy, infancy, and childhood to the age of 8 years) may cause 
permanent discoloration of the teeth (yellow-gray-brown).  
This adverse reaction is more common during long-term use of the drug but has been observed 
following repeated short-term courses. Enamel hypoplasia has also been reported. Tetracycline 
drugs, therefore, should not be used during tooth development unless other drugs are not likely 
to be effective or are contraindicated.  
All tetracyclines form a stable calcium complex in any bone-forming tissue. A decrease in the 
fibula growth rate has been observed in premature human infants given oral tetracycline in 
doses of 25 mg/kg every six hours. This reaction was shown to be reversible when the drug was 
discontinued. 


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15 
 
Results of animal studies indicate that tetracyclines cross the placenta, are found in fetal 
tissues, and can have toxic effects on the developing fetus (often related to retardation of 
skeletal development). Evidence of embryotoxicity has been noted in animals treated early in 
pregnancy. 
Drug Rash with Eosinophilia and Systemic Symptoms (DRESS) including fatal cases have been 
reported with minocycline use. If this syndrome is recognized, the drug should be discontinued 
immediately.  
The anti-anabolic action of the tetracyclines may cause an increase in BUN. While this is not a 
problem in those with normal renal function, in patients with significantly impaired function, 
higher serum levels of tetracycline may lead to azotemia, hyperphosphatemia, and acidosis. 
Under such conditions, monitoring of creatinine and BUN is recommended, and the total daily 
dosage should not exceed 200 mg in 24 hours (see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION). If renal 
impairment exists, even usual oral or parenteral doses may lead to systemic accumulation of 
the drug and possible liver toxicity.  
Photosensitivity manifested by an exaggerated sunburn reaction has been observed in some 
individuals taking tetracyclines. This has been reported with minocycline. 
Central nervous system side effects including light-headedness, dizziness, or vertigo have been 
reported with minocycline therapy. Patients who experience these symptoms should be 
cautioned about driving vehicles or using hazardous machinery while on minocycline therapy. 
These symptoms may disappear during therapy and usually disappear rapidly when the drug is 
discontinued. 
Clostridium difficile associated diarrhea (CDAD) has been reported with use of nearly all 
antibacterial agents, including minocycline hydrochloride, and may range in severity from mild 
diarrhea to fatal colitis. Treatment with antibacterial agents alters the normal flora of the colon 
leading to overgrowth of C. difficile. 
 
12.0 
ADVERSE EVENT REPORTING 
 
12.1 
Definition 
 
Adverse event:  Any unfavorable and unintended sign (including abnormal laboratory finding), 
symptom, or disease temporally associated with the use of a medical treatment or procedure, 
regardless of whether it is considered related to the medical treatment or procedure; also an 
“unanticipated problem” of any nature (e.g., psychological or social harm) 
 (designated as unrelated, definitely related, probably related, or possibly related; see below) 
 
Serious adverse event:  Any adverse event that is fatal or life threatening, is permanently 
disabling, requires inpatient hospitalization or prolongs hospitalization, or results in a congenital 
anomaly or birth defect. 
 
Life-threatening event:  Any adverse event in which the subject is at immediate risk of death 
from the reaction as it occurs; does not include a reaction that, if it were to occur in a more serious 
form, might cause death. 
 
Unexpected event:  Any adverse event that is not identified in nature, severity, or frequency in 
the investigator brochure, study protocol, consent form, or IND application; or the event was more 
serious than anticipated. 


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16 
 
 
Association: 
 
 
Definitely Related:  An adverse event that has a timely relationship to the administration of the 
investigational drug/study procedure and follows a known pattern of response for which no 
alternative cause is present.  
 
 
Probably Related: An adverse event that has a timely relationship to the administration of the 
investigational drug/study procedure and follows a known pattern of response, but for which a 
potential alternative cause may be present. 
 
 
Possibly Related: An adverse event that has a timely relationship to the administration of the 
investigational drug/study procedure, follows no known pattern of response, but a potential 
alternative cause does not exist. 
 
 
Unrelated:  An adverse event for which there is evidence that it is definitely related to a cause 
other than the investigational drug/agent; in general, no timely relationship to the administration 
of the drug/procedure exists, or if so, the event does not follow a pattern of response and an 
alternative cause is present. 
 
The Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events v4.0 (CTCAE) of the National Cancer 
Institute will be used. The severity of adverse reactions is categorized as grade 1 to grade 5 in 
increasing severity. Grade 3, 4 and 5 toxicities will be reported as adverse events. General 
descriptors for the toxicity grades range from mild to fatal:   
 
Grade 1 – Mild (The adverse reaction does not interfere in a significant manner with the subject’s 
normal functioning level.  It may be an annoyance.) 
Grade 2 – Moderate (The adverse reaction produces some impairment of functioning but is not 
hazardous to health.  It is uncomfortable and/or an embarrassment) 
Grade 3 – Severe (The adverse reaction produces significant impairment of functioning or 
incapacitation and is a definite hazard to the subject’s health) 
Grade 4 – Adverse reactions that include or lead to either a) a life-threatening event, though acute 
and without permanent effect,  b) prolonged inability to resume usual life pattern, or c) impairment 
of ability to adequately deal with future medical problems 
Grade 5 – Fatal 
 
12.2 
Documentation 
 
All adverse events must be documented in detail within the medical record. The patient will be 
observed and monitored carefully until the condition resolves, stabilizes, or its cause is identified.  
All adverse events, including laboratory abnormalities, will be followed up according to good medical 
practices.  Information to be recorded includes the following: 
a. 
Specific type of reaction. 
b. 
Duration of reaction. 
c. 
Severity/grade of reaction according to the NCI Common Terminology Criteria for 
Adverse Events v4.0 (CTCAE). 
d. 
Suspected cause of the reaction (i.e. possibly or probably related to one of the following: 
study treatment, progression of disease, concurrent medications, concurrent illness, or 
other factors). 
e. 
Changes made in the administration of the study drugs and other actions taken to 
alleviate the clinical event. 


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f. 
Patient’s response to medical interventions. 
 
12.3 
Reporting 
 
According to FDA regulations (21 CFR 312.32), IND safety reports shall address “any adverse 
experience associated with the use of a drug that is both serious and unexpected.”  The IRB will 
be notified of any adverse event fulfilling the following criteria: 
 
1. The adverse event is SERIOUS (as defined above), 
or 
2. The adverse event is not serious, but is UNEXPECTED and its association with the 
study drug, device, or research-related procedure is either DEFINITELY, 
PROBABLY, or POSSIBLY RELATED, or UNKNOWN (as defined above). 
 
Federal policy [45 CFR 46.116(b)(5)] also requires that investigators inform subjects of any 
important new information that might affect their willingness to continue participating in the 
research. When an adverse event necessitates changes to the consent/assent form(s) and/or 
protocol, or that notification is given to currently or previously enrolled subjects, an amendment 
request will be submitted in conjunction with the adverse event report. The IRB will make a 
determination whether any new findings, new knowledge, or adverse effects should be 
communicated to subjects. 
 
In accordance with IRB guidelines, serious adverse events will be reported within 10 days 
of the investigator’s or research staff members’ learning of the event to The Ohio State University 
Institutional Review Board.  OSU IRB Event Reports should be submitted through BuckIRB at: 
http:/orrp.osu.edu/irb/buck-IRB/. Events resulting in temporary or permanent interruption of study 
activities by the investigator or sponsor to avoid potential harm to subjects should be reported 
within 48 hours whenever possible.  
All events that may represent unanticipated problems involving risks to subjects or others 
will be promptly reported (as described above), regardless of whether they occur during or after 
the study, or involve a subject who has withdrawn from or completed study participation. If 
changes to the research or consent process are proposed as a result of the event, or if additional 
information will be provided to current and/or past participants, an amendment request will also 
be submitted for IRB review. 
Related events involving risk but not meeting the prompt reporting requirements will be 
reported to the IRB in summary form at the time of continuing review.  
 
13.0 
CRITERIA FOR RESPONSE ASSESSMENT 
 
All randomized patients will be considered evaluable. Participants with only baseline measures 
will be considered as drop-outs.  
 
 
 
 
 
 


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18 
 
14.0  
STUDY CALENDAR 
 
Tests & observations 
 Baseline, within 14 
days of study start a 
Pre- chemo^ 
Cycle 
1 
 chemo 
Cycle 
2 
chemo 
Cycle 
3 
chemo 
Cycle 
4  
chemo
* 
End of 
chemo
** 
6 
months 
post 
end of 
chemo 
Signed informed consent 
x 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
History and Physical 
Exam  
x 
 
x 
x 
x 
x 
 
 
Height/weight 
x 
 
x 
x 
x 
x 
 
 
Clinic visit  
x 
 
x 
x 
x 
x 
 
x 
Review of medications, 
supplements 
x 
 
 
 
 
x 
x 
 
Performance status 
x 
 
x 
x 
x 
x 
x 
 
Daily Symptom Logs 
 
x 
x 
x 
x 
x 
x 
 
Pill Counts 
 
 
x 
x 
x 
x 
x 
 
Minocycline/placebo pills 
(twice daily) 
 
x 
x 
x 
x 
x 
x 
 
Neurocognitive testing 
 
 
x 
 
 
 
x 
x 
STAI and CES-D 
 
 
x 
x 
x 
x 
x 
x 
Blood Inflammatory 
markers  
 
 
x 
x 
x 
x 
 
x 
 Neuroimging Brain 
imaging (MRI  and PET 
scans)*** 
x 
 
 
 
 
x 
 
x 
* May occur within 2 weeks of last exposure to cycle 4 of chemotherapy.  
** May occur within 3 weeks of last exposure to cycle 4 Dox chemo if patient receives dox, otherwise, patient will not 
have this optional time point. 
*** PET and or MRI scans are optional but strongly recommended 
^ Up to one week prior to the start of chemotherapy (optional) 
a. Since pre-chemo minocycline is optional, baseline and cycle 1 chemotherapy start dates may coincide.  
 
For additional cohort:  
Tests & observations 
 Baseline, within 14 
days of study start a 
3 months of 
Minocycline 
therapy 
6 months of 
Minocycline 
therapy 
Signed informed consent 
x 
 
 
History and Physical 
Exam  
x 
x 
x 
Height/weight 
x 
x 
x 
Clinic visit  
x 
x 
x 
Review of medications, 
supplements 
x 
 
 
Performance status 
x 
x 
x 
Daily Symptom Logs 
 
x 
x 
Pill Counts 
 
x 
x 
Minocycline pills (twice 
daily) 
 
x 
x 
Neurocognitive testing 
x 
x 
x 
STAI and CES-D 
x 
x 
x 
Blood Inflammatory 
markers  
 
x 
x 
 Neuroimging Brain 
imaging (MRI  and PET 
scans)*** 
x 
x 
x 
 
 
15.0 
CRITERIA FOR REMOVAL OF PATIENTS FROM PROTOCOL THERAPY 


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Study patients may voluntarily withdraw at any time from the protocol.  If a treating physician 
elects to remove a patient from the study, the Prinicpal Investigator must be notified of withdrawal 
from the protocol.  The reasons for discontinuation of the study must be documented in the patient 
record and data collection forms. 
 
Although we expect severe depression and suicidal ideation to be rare in this population43,44, there 
is a screening and safety plan. At baseline, depressive symptom severity will be assessed using 
the CES-D instrument. Dr. Cheavens (Co-I, Clinical Psychologist) and/or social work will be 
available to evaluative the patient assessments if suicidal ideation is reported at baseline.  The 
subject will be withdrawn from the study and treatment referrals will be provided. During the trial, an 
increase on the CES-D above a score of 20 will trigger a risk assessment. Dr. Cheavens and/or 
social work will be available to help manage patients symptoms.  In the case of significant 
depressive severity or suicide risk (as determined by Dr. Cheavens and/or social work), the subject 
will be referred to psychotropic or psychotherapeutic intervention immediately, and removed from 
the study. 
 
Patients experiencing irreversible Grade 3-4 toxicity that is clearly related to the study treatment will 
be removed from the protocol.   
 
16.0 
ETHICAL AND REGULATORY CONSIDERATIONS 
 
This trial will be conducted in compliance with the protocol, Good Clinical Practice guidelines, and 
all applicable regulatory requirements. 
 
16.1 
Institutional Review Board 
 
The Principal Investigator will have obtained written approval to conduct the study from The Ohio 
State University IRB and the Clinical Scientific Review Committee of the James Cancer Hospital 
and Solove Research Institute. All amendments must be approved by the Institutional Review 
Board of The Ohio State University prior to implementation. 
 
16.2 
Informed consent 
 
All potential candidates for the study will be given a copy to read of the consent form for the study.  
The Principal Investigator and/or designee will explain all aspects of the study in lay language and 
answer all the candidate’s questions regarding the study.  If the candidate desires to participate in 
the study, she will be asked to sign the Informed Consent.  The study agent will not be released to 
a subject without a signed Informed Consent. 
 
Elements of informed consent include explanations of 1) the purpose of the trial, 2) what the study 
entails, 3) alternate treatments, 4) expenses and inconveniences to be incurred, 5) discomfort and 
risks to the subject, 6) whether she will receive payment for participation in the study, 7) contact 
person to call in the event of an emergency, 8) subject rights as a result of illness or injury from 
trial participation, 9) her right to withdraw from the trial at any time without prejudice, 10) 
confidentiality of trial participation. 
 
16.3 
Patient confidentiality 
 
The information obtained during the conduct of this study is considered confidential and will not be 
released without the written permission of the subject, except as necessary for monitoring by the 


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FDA or other regulatory agencies.  All laboratory specimens will be labeled with coded identifiers 
in order to maintain confidentiality.  Signed consent forms, data sheets, and laboratory notebooks 
will be kept in locked cabinets in Dr. Bhuvaneswari Ramaswamy’s office and/or research 
laboratories. 
 
16.4 
Publication of research findings 
 
Publications of the research findings will present data in a format that will not reveal the identity of 
the participants. 
 
16.5 
Compliance monitoring 
 
In accordance with IRB guidelines, the study program will be reviewed by the IRB every 12 
months or less.  Deviations from the protocol must be documented in the medical record and 
reported immediately to the PI.  Deviations that meet the criteria for Immediate Event Reporting 
(http://orrp.osu.edu/irb/event/index.cfm) such as those that increase risks to subjects and/or 
compromise scientific integrity will be reported immediately to the IRB.   
 
16.6 
Biosafety 
 
This project will involve the use and analysis of human cells and tissues.  Specific precautions will 
be taken to protect laboratory personnel and support personnel form possible infective agents 
from these samples, with the goals of containment of biological materials, proper waste disposal, 
routine decontamination of equipment and surfaces, and implementation of procedures for 
accidents.   
 
16.7   Data Safety Monitoring Plan 
 
The data and safety monitoring plan will involve the continuous evaluation of safety, data quality 
and data timeliness. Investigators will conduct continuous review of data and patient safety at 
their regular Disease Group meetings (at least monthly) and the discussion will be documented 
in the minutes. The PI of the trial will review toxicities and responses of the trial where 
applicable at these disease center meetings and determine if the risk/benefit ratio of the trial 
changes. Frequency and severity of adverse events will be reviewed by the PI and compared to 
what is known about the agent/device from other sources; including published literature, 
scientific meetings and discussions with the sponsors, to determine if the trial should be 
terminated before completion. Serious adverse events and responses will also be reviewed by 
the OSUCCC Data and Safety Monitoring Committee (DSMC). The PI will also submit a 
progress report biannually that will be reviewed by the committee per the DSMC plan. All 
reportable Serious Adverse Events (SAE) will also be reported to the IRB of record as per the 
policies of the IRB. 
 
16.8 Compensation for study subjects:   
 
Participants will be compensated for their time.  At all visits, they will receive free parking. In 
addition, they will receive $50 for completing cognitive testing assessments.  They will receive 
$25 for completing any additional questionnaires with each cycle including STAI and CES-D. They 
will receive $150 for completing neuroimaging at each allocated time point. Therefore, they will 
have an opportunity to receive up to a total of $750. If they are not able to complete the full day 
visit, your payment will be pro-rated based on the percentage of the visit that you actually 
completed. Payment will be sent after completing all visits that will ideally be scheduled within 


10/19/2021  
 
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about a month; if their visits are more than a month apart, a check in the appropriate amount will 
be mailed to them within 2-4 weeks of each phase of study completion.  By law, payments to 
subjects are considered taxable income. 
 
 
17.0 
STATISTICAL CONSIDERATIONS 
 
Data Analysis Plan. Patient demographics information will be summarized for each treatment 
group. Drug compliance will be evaluated using pill counts and MEMS caps. Adverse events will 
also be tabulated for each treatment group. Primary analysis for efficacy will be conducted based 
on intention-to-treat (ITT) principle and sensitivity analysis will be conducted for those patients who 
received the treatment (per-protocol patients, or PP)). We will use mixed model for repeated 
measures to account for the association of these weekly measures from the same individual, and 
to estimate the effect size of the treatment group and test the differences between two groups in 
terms of the changes of CES-D and STAI scores after 8 weeks. The advantage of using mixed 
model include that it can handle potential missing data (with missing at random assumption), and 
use it to study the pattern of weekly changes overtime for each group (include linear change 
overtime).  All patients will be used as ITT for safety and compliance measures analysis. 
  
Primary Outcomes. For each primary outcome measure (CES-D and STAI scores), we will 
evaluate (1) the change over time from baseline to the end of study for the two groups, and (2) 
the differences of the changes between the two groups after four cycles of chemotherapy. Mixed 
models for repeated measures will be used to account for the association of the measures 
over time from the same patients. The 95% confidence intervals of the change in the primary 
outcome measures from baseline to the end of study and the differences between the treatment 
and placebo groups will be estimated based on the models. The influences of covariates, such 
as disease stage and baseline measures, will be considered in the mixed models as exploratory 
analyses. 
 
 Secondary and correlative outcomes. The same method will also be used to evaluate the 
changes of these secondary and correlative outcomes (inflammatory blood biomarkers and the 
PET/MRI measures). We will use scatter plots to explore the pair-wise correlation  among  the  
changes  of  CES-D  and  STAI  scores,  blood  biomarkers  changes,  and  PET/MR measures. 
We will use linear regression to explore whether the blood based biomarkers and PET/MRI 
measures can be used to predict the changes in CES-D and STAI scores, which then could 
be used as potential surrogate markers in future studies. 
 
The secondary goal of this study is to collect data of the cognitive function changes in breast 
cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy and gather evidence of the effect of minocycline in this 
patient population. All variables will be plotted over time (pre vs post-chemotherapy) and 
summarized for the minocycline treatment group and the placebo group. The changes of the 
variables for each group and the difference between two groups will be estimated based on a 
mixed model for repeated measures to account for the association of measurements from the 
same patient over time. The influence of the biomarkers on the cognitive function changes will 
also be evaluated visually using pair-wise scatter-plots. The associations among the changes of 
cognitive function measures, depression score and biomarkers will also be explored. 
 
Sample Size and Power Calculations. Sample Size and Power Calculations. The main 
objective of this phase II study is to preliminarily evaluate the effect of minocycline on 
chemotherapy-induced depressive symptoms in terms of changes in CES-D and STAI scores. 
With a sample size of 23 per group, we will have at least 80% power to detect an effect size of 


10/19/2021  
 
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0.74 standard deviation difference between the two groups at significance level of 0.10 based on 
a 2 sided two-sample t-test. It will also provide at least 90% power to detect a change of 0.63 
effect size for each group. Based on previous studies, an effect size of 0.75 standard deviation 
of the STAI or CES-D scores is considered a significant difference, and is clinically meaningful. 
Our goal is to ensure at least 23 patients per group complete the treatment regimen and have 
measures from baseline to the end of study. From our experience, attrition of less than 15-20% 
is expected for studies in this patient population in our center, and to account for this, we plan 
to recruit up to 60 patients. 
 
 
18.0 
REFERENCES 
 
 
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3. Hopwood P, Sumo G, Mills J, et al: The course of anxiety and depression over 5 years 
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5. Lehto US, Ojanen M, Dyba T, et al: Baseline psychosocial predictors of survival in 
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6. Hjerl K, Andersen EW, Keiding N, et al: Depression as a prognostic factor for breast 
cancer mortality. Psychosomatics 44:24-30, 2003 
7. Watson M, Haviland JS, Greer S, et al: Influence of psychological response on survival 
in breast cancer: a population-based cohort study. Lancet 354:1331-6, 1999 
8. Giese-Davis J, Collie K, Rancourt KM, et al: Decrease in depression symptoms is 
associated with longer survival in patients with metastatic breast cancer: a secondary 
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9. Demyttenaere K: Risk factors and predictors of compliance in depression. Eur 
Neuropsychopharmacol 13 Suppl 3:S69-75, 2003 
10. Keller MB, Hirschfeld RM, Demyttenaere K, et al: Optimizing outcomes in depression: 
focus on antidepressant compliance. Int Clin Psychopharmacol 17:265-71, 2002 
11. Sirey JA, Bruce ML, Alexopoulos GS, et al: Perceived stigma as a predictor of treatment 
discontinuation in young and older outpatients with depression. Am J Psychiatry 
158:479-81, 2001 
12. Halter MJ: The stigma of seeking care and depression. Arch Psychiatr Nurs 18:178-84, 
2004 
13. Bollini P, Pampallona S, Kupelnick B, et al: Improving compliance in depression: a 
systematic review of narrative reviews. J Clin Pharm Ther 31:253-60, 2006 
14. DiMatteo MR, Lepper HS, Croghan TW: Depression is a risk factor for noncompliance 
with medical treatment: meta-analysis of the effects of anxiety and depression on patient 
adherence. Arch Intern Med 160:2101-7, 2000 
15. Lash TL, Cronin-Fenton D, Ahern TP, et al: Breast cancer recurrence risk related to 
concurrent use of SSRI antidepressants and tamoxifen. Acta Oncol 49:305-12, 2010 
16. Desmarais JE, Looper KJ: Interactions between tamoxifen and antidepressants via 
cytochrome P450 2D6. J Clin Psychiatry 70:1688-97, 2009 


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17. Irarrazaval OM: [Antagonism of tamoxifen and antidepressants among women with 
breast cancer]. Rev Med Chil 139:89-99, 2011 
18. Ahles TA, Saykin AJ, McDonald BC, et al: Longitudinal assessment of cognitive changes 
associated with adjuvant treatment for breast cancer: impact of age and cognitive 
reserve. J Clin Oncol 28:4434-40, 2010 
19. Castellon SA, Silverman DH, Ganz PA: Breast cancer treatment and cognitive 
functioning: current status and future challenges in assessment. Breast Cancer Res 
Treat 92:199-206, 2005 
20. McDonald BC, Conroy SK, Ahles TA, et al: Gray matter reduction associated with 
systemic chemotherapy for breast cancer: a prospective MRI study. Breast Cancer Res 
Treat 123:819-28, 2010 
21. Kelley KW, Bluthe RM, Dantzer R, et al: Cytokine-induced sickness behavior. Brain 
Behav Immun 17 Suppl 1:S112-8, 2003 
22. Brebner K, Hayley S, Zacharko R, et al: Synergistic effects of interleukin-1beta, 
interleukin-6, and tumor necrosis factor-alpha: central monoamine, corticosterone, and 
behavioral variations. Neuropsychopharmacology 22:566-80, 2000 
23. Dantzer R, O'Connor JC, Freund GG, et al: From inflammation to sickness and 
depression: when the immune system subjugates the brain. Nat Rev Neurosci 9:46-56, 
2008 
24. Janelsins MC, Kohli S, Mohile SG, et al: An update on cancer- and chemotherapy-
related cognitive dysfunction: current status. Semin Oncol 38:431-8, 2011 
25. Sauter KA, Wood LJ, Wong J, et al: Doxorubicin and daunorubicin induce processing 
and release of interleukin-1beta through activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome. Cancer 
Biol Ther 11:1008-16, 2011 
26. Tangpong J, Cole MP, Sultana R, et al: Adriamycin-induced, TNF-alpha-mediated 
central nervous system toxicity. Neurobiol Dis 23:127-39, 2006 
27. Aluise CD, Robinson RA, Cai J, et al: Redox proteomics analysis of brains from subjects 
with amnestic mild cognitive impairment compared to brains from subjects with 
preclinical Alzheimer's disease: insights into memory loss in MCI. J Alzheimers Dis 
23:257-69, 2011 
28. Mohamed RH, Karam RA, Amer MG: Epicatechin attenuates doxorubicin-induced brain 
toxicity: critical role of TNF-alpha, iNOS and NF-kappaB. Brain Res Bull 86:22-8, 2011 
29. Joshi G, Sultana R, Tangpong J, et al: Free radical mediated oxidative stress and toxic 
side effects in brain induced by the anti cancer drug adriamycin: insight into chemobrain. 
Free Radic Res 39:1147-54, 2005 
30. Joshi G, Hardas S, Sultana R, et al: Glutathione elevation by gamma-glutamyl cysteine 
ethyl ester as a potential therapeutic strategy for preventing oxidative stress in brain 
mediated by in vivo administration of adriamycin: Implication for chemobrain. J Neurosci 
Res 85:497-503, 2007 
31. Joshi G, Aluise CD, Cole MP, et al: Alterations in brain antioxidant enzymes and redox 
proteomic identification of oxidized brain proteins induced by the anti-cancer drug 
adriamycin: implications for oxidative stress-mediated chemobrain. Neuroscience 
166:796-807, 2010 
32. Merzoug S, Toumi ML, Boukhris N, et al: Adriamycin-related anxiety-like behavior, brain 
oxidative stress and myelotoxicity in male Wistar rats. Pharmacol Biochem Behav 
99:639-47, 2011 
33. Irwin MR, Miller AH: Depressive disorders and immunity: 20 years of progress and 
discovery. Brain Behav Immun 21:374-83, 2007 
34. Janelsins MC, Mustian KM, Palesh OG, et al: Differential expression of cytokines in 
breast cancer patients receiving different chemotherapies: implications for cognitive 
impairment research. Support Care Cancer 20:831-9, 2012 


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35. Neigh GN, Karelina K, Glasper ER, et al: Anxiety after cardiac arrest/cardiopulmonary 
resuscitation: exacerbated by stress and prevented by minocycline. Stroke 40:3601-7, 
2009 
36. Maier K, Merkler D, Gerber J, et al: Multiple neuroprotective mechanisms of minocycline 
in autoimmune CNS inflammation. Neurobiol Dis 25:514-25, 2007 
37. Hailer NP: Immunosuppression after traumatic or ischemic CNS damage: it is 
neuroprotective and illuminates the role of microglial cells. Prog Neurobiol 84:211-33, 
2008 
38. Stirling DP, Khodarahmi K, Liu J, et al: Minocycline treatment reduces delayed 
oligodendrocyte death, attenuates axonal dieback, and improves functional outcome 
after spinal cord injury. J Neurosci 24:2182-90, 2004 
39. Dodel R, Spottke A, Gerhard A, et al: Minocycline 1-year therapy in multiple-system-
atrophy: effect on clinical symptoms and [(11)C] (R)-PK11195 PET (MEMSA-trial). Mov 
Disord 25:97-107, 2010 
40. Sotomayor EA, Teicher BA, Schwartz GN, et al: Minocycline in combination with 
chemotherapy or radiation therapy in vitro and in vivo. Cancer Chemother Pharmacol 
30:377-84, 1992 
41. Spielberger CD, Vagg PR: Psychometric properties of the STAI: a reply to Ramanaiah, 
Franzen, and Schill. J Pers Assess 48:95-7, 1984 
42. Hann D, Winter K, Jacobsen P: Measurement of depressive symptoms in cancer 
patients: evaluation of the Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale (CES-
D). J Psychosom Res 46:437-43, 1999 
43. Dausch B, Compas, G, Beckjord, E, Leucken, L, Anderson-Hanley, C, Sherman, M, 
Grossman, C: Rates and correlates of DSM-IV diagnoses in women newly diagnosed 
with breast cancer. Journal of Clinical Psychology in Medical Settings 11:159 - 169, 
2004 
44. Walker J, Waters RA, Murray G, et al: Better off dead: suicidal thoughts in cancer 
patients. J Clin Oncol 26:4725-30, 2008 
45. Hackett RA, Hamer M, Endrighi R, et al: Loneliness and stress-related inflammatory and 
neuroendocrine responses in older men and women. Psychoneuroendocrinology 
37:1801-9, 2012 
46. Bruno J, Hosseini SM, Kesler S: Altered resting state functional brain network topology 
in chemotherapy-treated breast cancer survivors. Neurobiol Dis 48:329-38, 2012 
47. Kesler S, Janelsins M, Koovakkattu D, et al: Reduced hippocampal volume and verbal 
memory performance associated with interleukin-6 and tumor necrosis factor-alpha 
levels in chemotherapy-treated breast cancer survivors. Brain Behav Immun 30 
Suppl:S109-16, 2013 
48. Owen AM, McMillan KM, Laird AR, et al: N-back working memory paradigm: a meta-
analysis of normative functional neuroimaging studies. Hum Brain Mapp 25:46-59, 2005 
49. Hughes ME, Waite LJ, Hawkley LC, et al: A Short Scale for Measuring Loneliness in 
Large Surveys: Results From Two Population-Based Studies. Res Aging 26:655-672, 
2004 
50. Weinrib AZ, Sephton SE, Degeest K, et al: Diurnal cortisol dysregulation, functional 
disability, and depression in women with ovarian cancer. Cancer 116:4410-9, 2010 
51. Herbert J: Cortisol and depression: three questions for psychiatry. Psychol Med:1-21, 
2012 
52. Venneti S, Lopresti BJ, Wiley CA: The peripheral benzodiazepine receptor (Translocator 
protein 18kDa) in microglia: from pathology to imaging. Prog Neurobiol 80:308-22, 2006 
53. Cagnin A, Kassiou M, Meikle SR, et al: Positron emission tomography imaging of 
neuroinflammation. Neurotherapeutics 4:443-52, 2007 


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54. Beisteiner R, Robinson S, Wurnig M, et al: Clinical fMRI: evidence for a 7T benefit over 
3T. Neuroimage 57:1015-21, 2011 
 
 
 
 


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19.0 Appendix 
 Inflammatory Biomarkers Specimen Processing, Storage & Shipping Instructions 
Note: To ensure the correct analysis of “Inflammatory Biomarkers” in clinical specimens, these 
procedures must be followed carefully. Specimens should be ideally centrifuged immediately 
following clot formation but no longer than 90 minutes after specimen collection.  Specific 
instructions for collecting, processing, storing and shipping specimens are outlined below: 
 
1. Venous whole blood (approximately 10 mL) should be drawn into a 10-mL plain red top 
tube with no gel separator.  
2. Make sure that the ACTUAL clock time that the specimen was drawn (not the expected or 
targeted time) is recorded on the “Clinical Trials Flow Sheet:” (or other appropriate source 
document) and on the specimen collection tube label. 
3. Mix the vacutainer by gentle inversion 5 times 
4. Allow the specimen to clot for 30-60 minutes at room temperature. 
5. SERUM should be separated from whole blood, by centrifugation at 1200 G (RCF) for 
10 minutes in a non-refrigerated or refrigerated centrifuge (4°C).  .  
6. Immediately after centrifugation, using a disposable pipette, carefully transfer approximately 
the top two-thirds of the upper serum layer and place 0.5 mL (500 microliters) serum 
into eight (8) cryovials. 
7.  Pour-off tube labels should include the following information: 
• 
Protocol Number – OSU 13165 
• 
Subject Number (ID Number) 
• 
Reference time point relative to protocol (i.e., nominal collection time) 
• 
Date of actual specimen collection 
• 
Actual time specimen was collected (military time) 
• 
Type of Specimen (Inflammatory Biomarkers) 
• 
Nominal Time Point (Baseline, 3 Months, 6 Months) 
8. Immediately place the cryovials containing serum into a storage box and place in a  
-70°C freezer.   
9. Specimens should be batched and stored at -70°C until the time of transport and analysis. 
10. Specimens should be sent to the OSU CRC Core Lab at 6-month intervals. 
 
11. Specimens will be sent via Best Courier to the CRC Core Lab and a completed “specimen 
log” should accompany each set of samples. Specimens should only be sent on 
Monday-Wednesday. 
 
12. Samples are to be packed in dry ice in styrofoam shippers with enough dry ice to ensure 
that the samples will not thaw during transport. 
 
Dry ice should be placed along the bottom of the styrofoam container.  Each set of 


10/19/2021  
 
    OSU 13165 V.7 
27 
 
specimens should be placed in a plastic resealable bag, grouped according to the subject.  
A paper towel should be wrapped around the samples.  Each plastic bag for each patient 
should be identified with the following information:  protocol number, institution name, 
patient.  Before plastic bags are placed into the styrofoam box a layer of paper towels 
should be placed on top of the dry ice.  The plastic bag should then be placed into the box, 
and additional dry ice should be placed along its sides.  A completed specimen log listing 
all specimens should be included in a plastic resealable bag along with the samples 
shipped.  The styrofoam container should be sealed with strapping tape and placed into a 
sturdy cardboard mailing box.  The box should subsequently be sealed.  Samples should 
be transported to: 
 
DeVries Laboratory 
Attn: Courtney Devries Laboratory 
Biomedical Research Tower, Suite 614 
The Ohio State University 
Columbus, Ohio  
 
Please include a contact name, phone number and email address, so that receipt of samples 
can be acknowledged. 
 
Please send Courtney DeVries an email (Courtney.DeVries@osumc.edu) the day before 
the specimens are to be shipped to acknowledge that a shipment will be made. 
 
 
 

ICF_001.pdf: 
CONSENT  
  
IRB Protocol Number:  2014C0055  
Biomedical/Cancer  
  
IRB Approval date:      10/22/2021   
  
Version:   10/19/2021 
  
  
Page 1 of 11  
Form date: 02/11/12   
  
The Ohio State University Consent to Participate in Research  
  
  
Study Title:   Randomized Placebo Controlled Study of Minocycline for Amelioration of 
Chemotherapy Induced Affective Disorders  
Principal Investigator: Bhuvaneswari Ramaswamy, MD  
Sponsor:  OSU  
 
  
• 
This is a consent form for research participation.  It contains important information 
about this study and what to expect if you decide to participate.  Please consider the 
information carefully. Feel free to discuss the study with your friends and family and 
to ask questions before making your decision whether or not to participate.  
• 
Your participation is voluntary.  You may refuse to participate in this study.  If you 
decide to take part in the study, you may leave the study at any time.  No matter what 
decision you make, there will be no penalty to you and you will not lose any of your 
usual benefits.  Your decision will not affect your future relationship with The Ohio 
State University.  If you are a student or employee at Ohio State, your decision will 
not affect your grades or employment status.  
• 
You may or may not benefit as a result of participating in this study.  Also, as 
explained below, your participation may result in unintended or harmful effects for 
you that may be minor or may be serious depending on the nature of the research.  
• 
You will be provided with any new information that develops during the study 
that may affect your decision whether or not to continue to participate.  If you 
decide to participate, you will be asked to sign this form and will receive a copy of the 
form.  You are being asked to consider participating in this study for the reasons 
explained below.    
  
1.   Why is this study being done?  
Improvements in screening and cancer therapies have improved the long-term survival of 
women with breast cancer, who comprise the largest group of cancer survivors in the United 
States. Many women with breast cancer tolerate their treatment without difficulty but some do 
have symptoms that can interfere with their quality of life. These include increased symptoms 
of anxiety and depression during treatment as well as changes in memory and thinking. 
Minocycline is an oral antibiotic currently approved by the US Food and Drug Administration 
(FDA) for the treatment of a variety of infections.  As you are currently experiencing brain 
symptoms of chemotherapy, this study is being done to to investigate if minocycline will help 
your symptoms during or after chemotherapy.  


CONSENT  
  
IRB Protocol Number:  2014C0055  
Biomedical/Cancer  
  
IRB Approval date:      10/22/2021   
  
Version:   10/19/2021 
  
  
Page 2 of 11  
Form date: 02/11/12   
  
  
 
  
There is some data that chemotherapy can cause increase in inflammation in the body and the 
brain.  It is possible that the inflammation in the brain is related to the increase symptoms of 
anxiety, depression and cognitive changes.  Promising studies have shown that minocycline 
may lower inflammatory changes but this will be the first study evaluating minocycline in 
patients currently receiving or have recieved chemotherapy. With long term use at doses up to 
200 mg per day, Minocycline is generally well-tolerated, with the most common side effect 
being mild gastrointestinal upset.  Minocycline readily crosses into the central nervous system 
and brain where it may help to lower inflammation. Minocycline can be safely combined with 
chemotherapy and can be administered during chemotherapy as part of the standard of care for 
the treatment of infections.   
  
Your doctor ordered a chemotherapy regimen to treat your breast cancer and you are 
experiencing chemotherapy brain symptoms. You are invited to take part in this study to help 
find out the effects, both good and bad, of minocycline as a possible e treatment for changes 
in memory and thinking, which can happen during or following chemotherapy.   
   
2. How many people will take part in this study?  
   
Up to 20 patients will take part in this study.   
  
3. What will happen if I take part in this study?  
  
You will need to have the following exams, tests or procedures if you decide to be in the 
study.  These exams, tests or procedures are part of regular cancer care and may be done even 
if you do not join the study.  They are being done because you are in this study, in order to 
better understand how well you are tolerating the study drug.    
  
• 
Medical history   
• 
Physical exam  
• 
Questionnaires asking about your mood  
• 
Questionnaires asking about your memory and thinking  
• 
Blood tests for inflammatory markers  
• 
MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) scan of the brain A(n) MRI uses radiofrequency 
waves and a strong magnetic field rather than x-rays to provide clear and detailed 
pictures of internal organs and tissues.   
• 
PET (Positron Emission Tomography)  scan of the brain. A PET scan uses a 
radiotracer to provide images of internal organ tissues that are more active or more 
inflamed  
  


CONSENT  
  
IRB Protocol Number:  2014C0055  
Biomedical/Cancer  
  
IRB Approval date:      10/22/2021   
  
Version:   10/19/2021 
  
  
Page 3 of 11  
Form date: 02/11/12   
  
  
 
As part of the study, you will undergo a history and physical examination including review 
of your medications and supplements. You will also have a blood test to check levels of 
inflammation. You will be asked to keep a record of any side effects or changes in your 
body or health that occur during the study period.  You will be asked to complete  
questionnaires about how you are feeling at baseline, 3 month and 6 month intervals.  These 
are very general questions about any emotional symptoms you have but you do not have to 
answer any questions that you do not feel comfortable about. These forms will all take 
approximately 30 minutes and will be done as part of your clinic visit (such as the time 
when you are waiting for your doctor to see you.)  These forms will let us know how you 
are feeling in terms of anxiety and depression symptoms at the beginning of the study and 
throughout the study period. You will also have testing to evaluate memory and thinking 
(neurocognitive testing) at the beginning of the study, at 3 months and at 6 months of study 
follow up. The blood tests and questionnaires are being performed solely for research 
purposes.  The history and physical examination will be part of your regular follow-up care 
whenever possible but may be performed solely for the purpose of this study.  Imaging 
studies of the brain (PET scan plus or minus MRI) will be completed per study calendar at 
the beginning of the study, 3 months and 6 months of the study.   
  
  
Tests & observations 
 Baseline, within 14 
days of study start a 
3 months of 
Minocycline 
therapy 
6 months of 
Minocycline 
therapy 
Signed informed consent 
x 
 
 
History and Physical 
Exam  
x 
x 
x 
Height/weight 
x 
x 
x 
Clinic visit  
x 
x 
x 
Review of medications, 
supplements 
x 
 
 
Performance status 
x 
x 
x 
Daily Symptom Logs 
 
x 
x 
Pill Counts 
 
x 
x 
Minocycline pills (twice 
daily) 
 
x 
x 
Neurocognitive testing 
x 
x 
x 
STAI and CES-D 
x 
x 
x 
Blood Inflammatory 
markers  
 
x 
x 
 Neuroimging Brain 
imaging (MRI  and PET 
scans)*** 
x 
x 
x 
 
  
 
4. How long will I be in the study?  
  


C O N S E N T  
  
I R B Pr ot o c ol N u m b er:  2 0 1 4 C 0 0 5 5  
Bi o m e di c al/ C a n c er  
  
I R B A p pr o v al d at e:      1 0/ 2 2/ 2 0 2 1    
  
V er si o n:   1 0/ 1 9/ 2 0 2 1  
  
  
P a g e 4 of 1 1   
F or m d at e: 0 2/ 1 1 / 1 2   
  
Y o u will ta ke t he st u d y dr u g f or  6 m o nt hs.Y o u will ha ve f oll o w u p testi n g at t he e n d of 3 
m ot n hs a n d 6 m o nt hs.  
  
5.  C a n I st o p bei n g i n t he st u d y ?  
  
Y o u ma y lea ve t he st u d y at a n y ti me.  If y o u deci de t o st o p partici pati n g i n t he st u d y, t here 
will be n o pe nalt y t o y o u, a n d y o u will n ot l ose a n y be nefits t o w hic h y o u are ot her wise 
e ntitle d.  Y o ur decisi o n will n ot affect y o ur f ut ure relati o ns hi p wit h T h e O hi o State 
U ni versit y.   
  
6.  W h at ris ks, si de effects or disc o mf orts c a n I e x pect fr o m bei n g i n t he st u d y ?  
Y o u ma y ha ve si de effects w hile o n t he st u d y.  E ver y o ne ta ki n g part i n t he st u d y will be 
watc he d caref ull y f or a n y si de effects.  H o we ver, d oct ors d o n’t k n o w all t he si de effects 
t hat ma y ha p pe n.  Si de effects ma y be mil d or ver y seri o us. Y o ur healt h care tea m ma y gi ve 
y o u me dici nes t o hel p lesse n si de effects. Ma n y si de effects g o a wa y s o o n after y o u st o p 
ta ki n g t he place b o or mi n oc ycli ne.  I n s o me cases, si de effects ca n be seri o us, l o n g lasti n g, 
or ma y ne ver g o a wa y.    
  
 St u dies usi n g mi n oc ycli ne s h o w t hat it is o verall well t olerate d wit h o nl y fe w i n di vi d uals 
disc o nti n ui n g t hera p y d ue t o t o xicit y a n d m ost i n di vi d uals ha ve n o t o xicit y fr o m dr u g 
t hera p y. P ossi ble si de effects fr o m Mi n oc ycli ne are liste d bel o w.   
  
 
C o m m o n si de effects m a y i ncl u de:  
• 
Feeli n g dizz y or li g ht hea de d  
• 
Mil d na usea, st o mac h u pset  
• 
Itc hi n g  
• 
Fati g ue  
• 
I ncrease d se nsiti vit y t o s u nli g ht a n d p ote ntial f or s u n b ur n  
  
R are si de effects m a y i ncl u de:  
• 
Ras h   
• 
Diarr hea  
• 
J oi nt a n d m uscle pai n or stiff ness  
• 
Decrease d a p petite  
• 
V o miti n g  
• 
Disc ol orati o n of s ki n, nails, teet h, or li ni n g of m o ut h  Fe ver  
• 
Hair t hi n ni n g  
• 
Hea dac he  
  
Ver y r are b ut seri o us si de effects m a y i ncl u de:  


CONSENT  
  
IRB Protocol Number:  2014C0055  
Biomedical/Cancer  
  
IRB Approval date:      10/22/2021   
  
Version:   10/19/2021 
  
  
Page 5 of 11  
Form date: 02/11/12   
  
• 
Symptoms of allergic reaction – hives, trouble breathing, trouble swallowing, swollen 
tongue  
• 
Inflammation of the lungs which may cause trouble breathing  
• 
Inflammation of the pancreas which may cause pain and inability to eat or drink  
• 
Inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract which may cause pain or diarrhea  
• 
Inflammation of the female genital tract which may cause pain or infection  
• 
Inflammation of the liver which could cause yellowing of the skin or eyes or death  
• 
Ringing in ears or decreased hearing  
• 
Decreased white blood cell (risk of infection), red blood cell (tiredness) and platelet 
counts (increased risk of bleeding) have been reported  
• 
Harmful kidney effects which may cause decreased urine output or darkening of urine  
• 
Seizures  
• 
Increased pressure inside your head that may cause severe pain or vision changes  
  
  
Reproductive Risks: Minocycline can cause harm to a fetus when administered to a pregnant 
woman.   Low levels of minocycline are excreted in human milk.  Therefore you should not 
become pregnant or nurse your baby while on this study.  If you are not post-menopausal or 
have the chance of becoming pregnant, a negative pregnancy test is required in order to enroll 
in this study.  If necessary, the costs of this test will be covered by the study.  If you become 
pregnant while on this study, you must notify your doctors and/or the study investigators 
immediately, and you will be removed from the study.  You can ask about counseling and 
more information about preventing pregnancy.  
  
  
Blood Draw Risks: You may experience side effects of having your blood drawn. These 
include pain, swelling, bruising, tissue discoloration or scarring around the vein that is used to 
draw the blood sample. There is a possibility that some of these tissue changes and scarring 
could become permanent. There may be the risk of infection at the site where the needle is 
inserted into the vein. There is also the possibility that you may faint during or shortly after 
the needle is inserted. If you feel dizzy, you should tell someone and lie down to avoid falling 
and hurting yourself. These are the same risks that are associated with any blood drawing 
from your vein. All blood draws will be timed to routine blood work that you would normally 
get for your chemotherapy visits.   
  
Imaging Risks: This research study involves exposure to radiation from PET scanners using 
the radiotracer C11(R)-PK11195) and -deoxy-2-[fluorine-18]fluoro- D-glucose (F18FDG).   
  
  
Psychological Risks: Psychological and social risks are similar to those faced by persons 
with a history of breast cancer or high risk for developing breast cancer.  If you have 
difficulty with side effects, the researcher and study personnel as well as other physicians and 


CONSENT  
  
IRB Protocol Number:  2014C0055  
Biomedical/Cancer  
  
IRB Approval date:      10/22/2021   
  
Version:   10/19/2021 
  
  
Page 6 of 11  
Form date: 02/11/12   
  
nurses are available to provide support and necessary information.  If on any of the 
assessments, you have symptoms of depression or anxiety that need immediate attention, you 
will be evaluated by a counselor/psychologist so that you can be treated for these symptoms 
and you will be removed from the study.    
  
  
Neuro Imaging:   
Imaging studies of the brain (PET CT plus or minus MRI) will be completed per study 
calendar at the beginning of the study, 3 month interval and at completion of 6 months of 
minocycline therapy.  
  
What is Involved:   
You will be scheduled at the Wright Center of Innovation (2050 Kenny Road Columbus, OH  
43210-3502) for PET CT plus or minus MRI of the brain if you do not have contraindications 
to MRIs. You will undergo testing for approximately 2 hours if you do both MRI and PET CT 
testing.   
  
What are the Possible Benefits:    
By imaging the brain before, during and after treatment, we can understand better how 
chemotherapy can affect brain function and whether treatment with minocycline is helpful for 
reducing these changes.   
  
What are the Possible Risks:   
This research study involves exposure to radiation from PET CT scanners using the 
radiotracer C11(R)-PK11195) and -deoxy-2-[fluorine-18]fluoro- D-glucose (F18FDG).  The 
total amount of radiation that   each participant will receive for each scan in this study  is 
approximately equivalent to a whole body exposure of 428 days (1.171 years) of exposure to natural 
background radiation.. This use involves minimal risk and is routinely conducted in other research 
studies. Patients with metal objects in their bodies or with claustrophobia may have difficulty with the 
MRI.  You have the option of not doing the MRI, but are safe to do PET CT testing.   
  
Please think about your choice. After reading the information above, circle "Yes" or "No."  If 
you have any questions, please talk to your doctor or nurse.   
  
No matter what you decide to do, it will not affect your care.  
  
 I choose to take part in the neuro imaging   
  
 
Yes_________    
No_________  
                                                       Initials                          Initials   


C O N S E N T  
  
I R B Pr ot o c ol N u m b er:  2 0 1 4 C 0 0 5 5  
Bi o m e di c al/ C a n c er  
  
I R B A p pr o v al d at e:      1 0/ 2 2/ 2 0 2 1    
  
V er si o n:   1 0/ 1 9/ 2 0 2 1  
  
  
P a g e 7 of 1 1   
F or m d at e: 0 2/ 1 1 / 1 2   
  
P E T C T □   B ot h M RI a n d P E T C T  □  
  
  
  
  
6.  W h at be nefits c a n I e x pect fr o m bei n g i n t he st u d y ?  
Y o u ma y n ot be nefit directl y fr o m partici pati n g i n t he st u d y.  Mi n oc ycli ne ma y re d uce 
s y m pt o ms d ue t o c he m ot hera p y. We h o pe t hat t he i nf or mati o n lear ne d fr o m t his st u d y will 
be nefit ot her patie nts wit h b reast ca ncer w h o e x perie nce s y m pt o ms fr o m c he m ot hera p y i n t he 
f ut ure.  
  
T he mi n oc ycli ne mi g ht ca use all, s o me, or n o ne of t he si de effects liste d a b o ve.  I n a d diti o n, 
t here is al wa ys t he ris k of u nc o m m o n or pre vi o usl y u n k n o w n si de effects occ urri n g.  
  
8.  W h at ot her c h oices d o I h a ve if I d o n ot t a ke p art i n t he st u d y ? 
 
  
Y o u ma y c h o ose n ot t o partici pate wit h o ut pe nalt y or l oss of be nefits t o w hic h y o u are 
ot her wise e ntitle d.  
  
Y o u ma y c h o ose n ot t o ta ke part i n t his st u d y. Y o u ma y c h o ose t o recei ve ot her 
i n vesti gati o nal t hera p y, if a vaila ble. Y o u ma y c h o ose n ot t o ha ve a n y treat me nt at all. I n 
all cases, y o u will recei ve a p pr o priate me dical care, i ncl u di n g treat me nt f or pai n a n d ot her 
s y m pt o ms of ca ncer.  
  
9.  Will m y st u d y -rel ate d i nf or m ati o n be ke pt c o nfi d e nti al ?  
  
Eff orts will be ma de t o kee p y o ur st u d y-relate d i nf or mati o n c o nfi de ntial.  H o we ver, t here ma y 
be circ u msta nces w here t his i nf or mati o n m ust be release d.  F or e xa m ple, pers o nal i nf or mati o n 
re gar di n g y o ur partici pati o n i n t his st u d y ma y be discl ose d if re q uire d b y state la w.    
  
Als o, y o ur rec or ds ma y be re vie we d b y t he f oll o wi n g gr o u ps (as a p plica ble t o t he 
researc h):  
• 
Office f or H u ma n Researc h Pr otecti o ns or ot her fe deral, state, or i nter nati o nal 
re g ulat or y a ge ncies;  
• 
U. S. F o o d a n d Dr u g A d mi nistr ati o n;  
• 
T he O hi o State U ni versit y I nstit uti o nal Re vie w B oar d or Office of Res p o nsi ble 
Researc h Practices;  
• 
T he s p o ns or s u p p orti n g t he st u d y, t heir a ge nts or st u d y m o nit ors; a n d  
 
Y o ur i ns ura nce c o m pa n y (if c har ges are bille d t o i ns ura nce).  
  


CONSENT  
  
IRB Protocol Number:  2014C0055  
Biomedical/Cancer  
  
IRB Approval date:      10/22/2021   
  
Version:   10/19/2021 
  
  
Page 8 of 11  
Form date: 02/11/12   
  
If this study is related to your medical care, your study-related information may be placed in 
your permanent hospital, clinic, or physician’s office records. Authorized Ohio State 
University staff not involved in the study may be aware that you are participating in a 
research study and have access to your information.   
  
A description of this clinical trial will be available on http://www.ClinicalTrials.gov, as 
required by U.S. law.  This website will not include information that can identify you.  At 
most, the website will include a summary of the results.  You can search the website at any 
time.   
  
You may also be asked to sign a separate Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act 
(HIPAA) research authorization form if the study involves the use of your protected health 
information.  
  
10. What are the costs of taking part in this study?  
The blood draw and specialized testing is for research purposes only, therefore you and/or your 
insurance company will not be charged for the research testing. This study will pay for all the 
research tests.   
  
The following tests and procedures will be done for research purposes only and will not be 
charged to you or your health plan:  
  
• 
minocycline  
• 
Blood for Inflammatory biomarkers  
• 
Study questionnaires   
• 
Neurological Imaging including PET and MRIs  
 
  
All of the other medical tests, evaluations, and procedures are considered standard cancer care 
and will be billed to you and your insurance plan. You and/or your health plan may also have 
to pay for other drugs or treatments which are given to help control side effects as well as the 
cost of tests or exams to evaluate possible side effects. You will be responsible for meeting 
co-pay and deductible requirements by your insurance plan while on study.  
  
For more information on clinical trials and insurance coverage, you can visit the National 
Cancer Institute’s Web site at 
http://cancer.gov/clinicaltrials/understanding/insurancecoverage. You can print a copy of the 
“Clinical Trials and Insurance Coverage” information from this Web site.  
  
Another way to get the information is to call 1-800-4-CANCER (1-800-422-6237) and ask 
them to send you a free copy.  
  


CONSENT  
  
IRB Protocol Number:  2014C0055  
Biomedical/Cancer  
  
IRB Approval date:      10/22/2021   
  
Version:   10/19/2021 
  
  
Page 9 of 11  
Form date: 02/11/12   
  
11. Will I be paid for taking part in this study?  
  
You will be compensated for your time.  At all visits, you will receive free parking. In 
addition, you will receive $50 for completing cognitive testing assessments.  You will receive 
$25 for completing any additional questionnaires with each cycle of chemotherapy. You will 
receive $150 for completing neuroimaging at each allocated time point.   Therefore, you may 
have an opportunity to receive up to a total of $750. If you are not able to complete the full 
day visit, your payment will be pro-rated based on the percentage of the visit that you actually 
completed. Payment will be sent after completing all visits that will ideally be scheduled 
within about a month; if your visits are more than a month apart, a check in the appropriate 
amount will be mailed to you within 2-4 weeks of each phase of study completion.  If you do 
not receive your check within 4 weeks after each of these phases of study completion, please 
notify the researchers. By law, payments to subjects are considered taxable income.   
  
12. What happens if I am injured because I took part in this study?  
If you suffer an injury from participating in this study, you should notify the researcher or 
study doctor immediately, who will determine if you should obtain medical treatment at The 
Ohio State University Medical Center.    
  
The cost for this treatment will be billed to you or your medical or hospital insurance. The 
Ohio State University has no funds set aside for the payment of health care expenses for this 
study.   
  
13. What are my rights if I take part in this study?  
  
If you choose to participate in the study, you may discontinue participation at any time 
without penalty or loss of benefits.  By signing this form, you do not give up any personal 
legal rights you may have as a participant in this study.  
  
You will be provided with any new information that develops during the course of the 
research that may affect your decision whether or not to continue participation in the study.  
  
You may refuse to participate in this study without penalty or loss of benefits to which you are 
otherwise entitled.  
  
An Institutional Review Board responsible for human subjects research at The Ohio State 
University reviewed this research project and found it to be acceptable, according to 
applicable state and federal regulations and University policies designed to protect the rights 
and welfare of participants in research.  
  
14. Who can answer my questions about the study?  
  


CONSENT  
  
IRB Protocol Number:  2014C0055  
Biomedical/Cancer  
  
IRB Approval date:      10/22/2021   
  
Version:   10/19/2021 
  
  
Page 10 of 11  
Form date: 02/11/12   
  
For questions, concerns, or complaints about the study you may contact Bhuvaneswari 
Ramaswamy, MD at 614-293-0066.  
  
For questions about your rights as a participant in this study or to discuss other study-related 
concerns or complaints with someone who is not part of the research team, you may contact 
Ms. Sandra Meadows in the Office of Responsible Research Practices at 1-800-678-6251.  
  
If you are injured as a result of participating in this study or for questions about a study 
related injury, you may contact Bhuvaneswari Ramaswamy, MD at 614-293-0066.  
 
Signing the consent form  
  
I have read (or someone has read to me) this form and I am aware that I am being asked to 
participate in a research study.  I have had the opportunity to ask questions and have had them 
answered to my satisfaction.  I voluntarily agree to participate in this study.   
  
I am not giving up any legal rights by signing this form.  I will be given a copy of this form.  
  
  
  
  
  
 
 
Printed name of subject  
  
Signature of subject  
  
  
  
  
 
  
AM/PM  
 
 
  
  
Date and time  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
 
Printed name of person authorized to consent for subject  
  
Signature of person authorized to consent for subject   
 
(when applicable)  
(when applicable)  
  
  
  
  
 
  
AM/PM  
 
 
Relationship to the subject  
  
Date and time  
  
  
  
  
 
 
 
 


CONSENT  
  
IRB Protocol Number:  2014C0055  
Biomedical/Cancer  
  
IRB Approval date:      10/22/2021   
  
Version:   10/19/2021 
  
  
Page 11 of 11  
Form date: 02/11/12   
  
Investigator/Research Staff  
  
I have explained the research to the participant or his/her representative before requesting the 
signature(s) above.  There are no blanks in this document.  A copy of this form has been given 
to the participant or his/her representative.  
  
  
  
  
  
 
 
Printed name of person obtaining consent  
  
Signature of person obtaining consent  
  
  
  
  
 
  
AM/PM  
 
 
  
  
Date and time  
  
  
Witness(es) - May be left blank if not required by the IRB  
  
  
  
  
  
 
 
Printed name of witness  
  
Signature of witness  
  
  
  
  
 
  
AM/PM  
 
 
  
  
Date and time  
  
  
  
  
  
 
 
  
  
Date and time  
  
  
  
Printed name of witness  
 
Signature of witness  
  
  
   
  
  
AM/PM