Mild-Intensity Whole Body Hyperthermia (WBH) for Major Depressive Disorder
Status:
Not yet recruiting
Trial end date:
2023-07-01
Target enrollment:
Participant gender:
Summary
Overall, the objective of this pilot study is to utilize the IL-6 receptor antagonist
tocilizumab to prospectively evaluate the role of IL-6 in the antidepressant and
immunological effects of whole body hyperthermia (WBH). The study seeks to replicate findings
thus far that WBH has an antidepressant effect by administering the intervention at a site
not involved in studies to date. Moreover, the current proposal may help the investigators
better understand the role of IL-6 in the pathogenesis and treatment of depression which
might point to novel immune-based interventions for Major Depressive Disorder (MDD). Finally,
the current proposal holds promise for better understanding of a novel treatment for MDD,
which is among the leading causes of health-related disability in the world.