Epigenetics and Psychoneurologic Symptoms in Women With Breast Cancer

Study Overview
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Brief Summary
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This study examines the relationship among epigenetic alterations and the development and persistence of psychoneurologic symptoms (cognitive dysfunction, depressive symptoms, anxiety, fatigue, sleep disturbance, and pain) in women receiving chemotherapy for early stage breast cancer. The relationship among inflammatory markers and psychoneurologic symptoms will also be explored. It is hypothesized: Chemotherapy triggers inflammatory activation, which in turn leads to the acquisition of genetic alterations. These alterations result in cellular changes and are modified over time. Inflammatory activation and epigenetic alterations are related to the temporal development, severity, and persistence of psychoneurologic symptoms.

Detailed Description
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Advancements in breast cancer have resulted in increased survival rates; however, many women with breast cancer experience distressing symptoms. Inflammatory activation and epigenetic alterations have been associated with the etiology of cancer. To date, no investigators have considered these epigenetic processes as possible mechanisms associated with the etiology of distressing symptoms in women with breast cancer. The specific aims of this study are to examine: The frequency and severity of psychoneurological (PN) symptoms (depressive symptoms, anxiety, sleep disturbances, fatigue, pain and cognitive dysfunction)and the interrelationship among PN symptoms at each time point Levels of inflammation and to quantify the frequency and genome-wide location of changes in epigenetic patterns across time following chemotherapy The relationship among inflammation, epigenetic changes, and the development, severity, and persistence of PN symptoms across time The study results may potentially deepen understanding regarding the biological processes underlying PN symptoms and lead to improved strategies for symptom management in women with breast cancer.

Official Title
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Epigenetic Factors Associated With Symptoms and Complications of Chronic Disorders

Conditions
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Breast Cancer

Participation Criteria
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Eligibility Criteria
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Inclusion Criteria: At least 21 years of age Diagnosed with stage I to IIIa Breast Cancer Scheduled to receive chemotherapy Exclusion Criteria: previous cancer history previous chemotherapy history dementia active psychosis

Ages Eligible for Study
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Minimum Age: 21 Years
Maximum Age: 81 Years

Sexes Eligible for Study
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Female

Accepts Healthy Volunteers
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No

Study Plan
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How is the study designed?
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What is the study measuring?
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Primary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Epigenetics and psychoneurologic symptoms in women receiving chemotherapy for breast cancer | To examine the frequency and severity of psychoneurologic symptoms and the interrelatednessamong the symptoms, levels of inflammation, and the frequency and genome wide localization of changes in epigenetic patterns across time. | 5 years | 

 Terms related to the study
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Keywords Provided by Centre Hospitalier Valida
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Epigenetics, Inflammatory, Psychoneurologic Symptoms, Cognitive Dysfunction, Pain, Fatigue, Sleep Disturbance, Depression, Depressive Symptoms, Anxiety, Breast Cancer