Naltrexone RCT for Treatment-Emergent Fatigue in Patients Receiving Radiation Therapy for Breast Cancer
Status:
Completed
Trial end date:
2017-11-01
Target enrollment:
Participant gender:
Summary
Naltrexone is a drug which blocks some effects of chemicals called beta-endorphins that are
made in the body. Beta-endorphins can be made in response to stress, injury, and also
pleasurable activities. In previous studies, it has been shown that levels of beta-endorphins
in the blood go up during radiation therapy, and that this increase is linked to fatigue.
This suggests that naltrexone may help to reduce fatigue in people who are getting radiation
therapy In this research study, the investigators are looking to see whether naltrexone works
better than a placebo in reducing fatigue during radiation therapy.