Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS) to Improve Fatigue and Cognitive Function

Inclusion Criteria:

Women or men, 18 years of age or older

Stage I-IV breast cancer receiving docetaxel-based chemotherapy (at least 60 mg/m2) every 21 days

• Docetaxel may be administered concurrently with other chemotherapy agents and/or with HER2 targeted therapies at the discretion of the treating provider

Fatigue: Self-report of moderate or severe fatigue on at least 3 days during the prior cycle of docetaxel-based chemotherapy, defined as ≥ 4 on a 0 (no fatigue) to 10 (worst fatigue imaginable) scale.
Able and willing to complete study tasks as evidenced by at least the following according to the assessment of a study team member: fluent English speaker; hearing and language comprehension; and, sufficient literacy to complete study forms and questionnaires
Patient understands the study regimen, its requirements, risks, and discomforts, and is able and willing to sign an informed consent form.

Exclusion Criteria:

Dementia as assessed by a MMSE score < 24 on initial screening.
Known pregnancy or nursing.

Any of the following: known diagnosis of schizophrenia or bipolar disorder, seizure disorder, pacemaker, hearing aids, any metal implanted in the head, untreated hypothyroidism, aphasia, delirium, known neurologic disorder which affects cognitive function, prior traumatic brain injury, known heart failure

• Note: presence of a mediport is not an exclusion criteria

Use of the following medications for seven days prior to and during study participation:

Stimulant medications
Carbamazepine/Tegretol
Cough/cold medicines (e.g. Dextromethorphan, Triaminic, Robitussin, Vics Formula 44)
Flunarizine/Sibelium
Propanolol/Inderal
Sulpiride
Pergolide
Rivastigmine/Exelon
Carbidopa/levodopa or levodopa
Ropinirole/Requip
Nicotine patch
Use of illicit drugs for seven days prior to and during study participation.
Self-reported consumption of > 14 alcoholic drinks per week or positive screening on the CAGE questionnaire in relation to the past year. NOTE: A single, standard alcoholic drink is defined as 10 grams of alcohol, which is equivalent to 285 mL of beer, 530 mL of light beer, 100 mL of wine or 30 mL of liquor.
Skin conditions involving open sores on the scalp that would prevent proper application of the electrodes.
Hairstyles that obstruct placement of the electrodes including cornrows, dreadlocks, braids or other hair accessories that cannot be removed.
Known history of brain metastases or leptomeningeal carcinomatosis (even if adequately treated)
Prior brain surgery
Other medical or other condition(s) that in the opinion of the investigators might compromise the objectives of the study