Bright Light Therapy for Skin and Lung Cancer

(IIT BLT Trial)

This trial explores whether bright light therapy can improve the body's internal clock (circadian rhythm) in individuals with advanced skin or lung cancer. By aligning the circadian rhythm, researchers aim to enhance the effectiveness of immunotherapy treatments. Participants will use an iPad app for daily light therapy sessions before beginning their cancer treatment. Individuals with advanced melanoma or non-small cell lung cancer who have not yet started specific immunotherapy treatments may qualify for this study. As an unphased trial, this study provides a unique opportunity to contribute to innovative research that may enhance future cancer treatments.

A study showed that bright light therapy (BLT) helps cancer patients sleep better, especially with stronger light. Patients generally tolerate it well. Research has found no increased risk of skin cancer in patients receiving similar light treatments. However, excessive UV light can harm the skin, so safe use is crucial. Overall, BLT appears to be a safe method for helping cancer patients manage their sleep-wake cycles.¹²³⁴⁵

Bright Light Therapy is unique because it uses non-invasive light exposure to potentially boost the immune response against skin and lung cancer. Unlike standard treatments such as chemotherapy or immunotherapy, which often have significant side effects, Bright Light Therapy is gentle and targets the body’s natural rhythms to enhance treatment efficacy. Researchers are excited about this approach because it could improve patient outcomes with fewer side effects, making cancer treatment more tolerable and accessible.

Research has shown that bright light therapy (BLT) can help reset the body's natural sleep-wake cycle, known as the circadian rhythm. This alignment is crucial because it may enhance the body's response to cancer treatments like immunotherapy. Some studies suggest that patients with well-synced circadian rhythms have a higher likelihood of benefiting from these treatments. Bright light therapy has proven effective in aligning circadian rhythms. Although direct evidence of its impact on cancer treatment is still emerging, the potential for improved outcomes through better-timed immunotherapy is promising. Participants in this trial will undergo 60 minutes of daily Bright Light Therapy for more than 7 days before starting immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) therapy.⁶⁷⁸⁹¹⁰