Adaptive Symptom Care Using Fish-Based Nutritional Directives Post Breast Cancer

Completed · Not applicable

Conditions studied: Fatigue, Depression, Pain, Sleep Disturbance, Stress, Survivorship, Breast Cancer, Dietary Habits

In brief

Inflammation has been consistently associated with psychoneurological symptoms (PNS) among breast cancer survivors (BCS). Evidence supporting interventional strategies promoting symptom-self management in reducing inflammation-induced PNS in BCS is limited. Current guidelines for BCS encourage the consumption of foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids. The omega-3 fatty acid docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), abundantly available in fish, has a role in inflammatory downregulation. Low dietary DHA has been associated with inflammation and fatigue in BCS. Dietary planning targeting increased fish consumption thereby reducing red and processed meats are components of the major nutritional recommendations for BCS. A critical gap exists in knowledge regarding interventions promoting adherence to dietary guidelines in BCS supporting PNS self-management. This investigation uses personalized meal planning among BCSs (n=150) who are 1-2 years post-treatment for early-stage breast cancer and experiencing PNS (pain, fatigue, depression, sleep disturbance, stress) to evaluate the feasibility of a personalized meal planning approach in supporting adherence to current dietary guidelines for BCS. As a first step in this program of research, we will evaluate the feasibility of an personalized meal planning approach in promoting adherence to dietary guidelines for BCS through evaluating the feasibility of a personalized meal planning approach in a cohort of BCSs with respect to recruitment, group allocation, salivary inflammatory quantification and receptivity to and adherence with dietary interventions. This investigation will also contribute to a preliminarily evaluation of the efficacy of high or low fish diet in reducing inflammation (IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-a) and PNS symptoms. Nationally, there is a priority for the development of personalized health strategies supporting self-management of adverse symptoms. This investigation focused on PNS in BCS is an initial step in generating new knowledge in efficacious approaches toward guiding decisions on dietary behavior change strategies that are personalized, cost-effective, and sustainable.

Key facts

Study ID: NCT04293874
Run by: University of Connecticut
People needed: 98
Starts: 2018-04-11
Expected to finish: 2020-11-01
Last updated by the study team: 2025-09-09

Who can join

Age: 35 and older, up to 70. Sex: female. Healthy volunteers: not accepted.

You may qualify if…

diagnosed with BCA between 1 and 2 years prior to study enrollment
completed chemotherapy (except tamoxifen/aromatase inhibitors) and/or radiation
no evidence of cancer recurrence;
no chronic medical conditions involving the immune system or regular use of immunosuppressive medications;
no history of previous chemotherapy or cancer
no diagnosis of dementia or active psychosis;
30-75 years of age
Able/willing to sign informed consent.

You may not qualify if…

Women not meeting the inclusion criteria above;
Non English-speaking

Where it is running

Hartford HealthCare Cancer Institue — Hartford, Connecticut, United States

Full record on ClinicalTrials.gov

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