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HODNIRS: Cardiopulmonary Function and Cerebral Blood Flow in Hodgkin Lymphoma Survivors

About this study

Many survivors of Hodgkin lymphoma have memory problems at a much younger age than their siblings. We have linked these memory problems to heart and lung disease. Chest radiation and some chemotherapies can cause heart and lung problems, but we do not know how these problems may affect memory.

Small nerves in the blood vessels of the neck normally detect levels of 2 important gases in the blood: oxygen and carbon dioxide. When blood levels of carbon dioxide go up, the body increases blood flow to the brain to supply it with more oxygen.

Hodgkin lymphoma survivors with lung problems may have more carbon dioxide in their blood than normal. The nerves in their necks may not be as sensitive to changes in carbon dioxide levels as they should be. These problems may lower the flow of blood to the brain, which could affect how well the brain works. This could lead to problems with thinking and memory.

In this study, we will measure the levels of oxygen and changes to blood flow in the brains of Hodgkin lymphoma survivors compared to healthy volunteers who did not have cancer treatment.

We will place a special cap over the head of each participant. This cap has a light sensor that measures oxygen and blood flow to the brain. We will measure:

  • How much carbon dioxide stays in their brain during exercise
  • How their blood flow changes when their carbon dioxide levels get higher

We will also study:

  • How well their heart and lungs work
  • How well they think, pay attention, and remember things

We hope results of this study will help us develop a treatment to improve survivors’ memory.

Purpose of this clinical trial

We want to better understand how chest radiation and bleomycin treatment affect brain function in survivors of Hodgkin lymphoma.

Eligibility overview

Inclusion criteria for Hodgkin lymphoma survivors:

  • Age 18 and older
  • Diagnosed with Hodgkin lymphoma before age 21
  • Treated with bleomycin and/or chest radiation at St. Jude
  • Finished treatment at least 2 years ago
  • SJLIFE participant or ACT clinic patient
  • English language proficiency

Inclusion criteria for healthy volunteers:

  • SJLIFE control
  • Age 18 and older

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Overview

Full title:

Cardiopulmonary Function and Cerebral Blood Flow in Hodgkin Lymphoma Survivors

Study goal:

Understand the relationship among cardiopulmonary function, carotid sinus baroreceptors and CO2 sensing organs, and cerebral blood flow regulation in Hodgkin lymphoma survivors

Diagnosis:

Hodgkin lymphoma

Age:

Age 18 and up

Clinical trials categories:

Hodgkin Lymphoma Lymphoma

For physicians and researchers

Patients accepted to St. Jude must be referred by a physician or other qualified medical professional. Learn how St. Jude can partner with you to care for your patient.

 

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