Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 13, 2025

In Vitro Bioluminescence Assay to Characterize Circadian Rhythm in Mammary Epithelial Cells
Published on: September 28, 2017
Circadian rhythm disorders in patients with advanced cancer: a scoping review
Craig Gouldthorpe1,2, Jenny Power2,3, Andrew Davies1,2,3
1School of Medicine, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland.
Abstract:
Circadian rhythms can be demonstrated in several biomarkers and behavioural activities, with rhythmical patterns occurring roughly over a 24-h period. Circadian disorders occur in patients with cancer and may be associated with poor clinical outcomes. This scoping review aimed to identify circadian rhythm research and reporting practices, circadian rhythm patterns, circadian rhythm disorders, and relevant associations of circadian rhythm disorders in patients with advanced cancer. Studies involved adult patients with locally advanced or metastatic cancer and used objective measures of circadian rhythmicity. Two independent authors completed initial screening of title and abstracts, full text reviews, data extraction, and data checking. A total of 98 articles were highlighted in the scoping review, which utilised physical activity measures (actigraphy and polysomnography), biomarkers (cortisol and melatonin), or a combination. Several circadian rhythms are commonly disordered amongst patients with advanced cancer and have significant implications for symptom burden, quality of life, and survival. It remains unclear which patients are most at risk of a circadian rhythm disorder. Significant heterogeneity exists in research and reporting practices. Standardising this approach may address discrepancies in the current literature and allow for research to focus on the most relevant parameters and approaches to improving circadian rhythmicity.
Related Concept Videos
Circadian Rhythms and Gene Regulation
Chronopharmacokinetics: Circadian Rhythms and Influence on Drug Response
The time of drug administration is an important factor to consider, as it can influence the toxic dose of a drug. For example, a study conducted by Prins et al. in 1997 examined the effects of the timing of...
Management of Insomnia
Positive Regulator Molecules
Cancer
Sleep-Wake Cycles
NREM Sleep
NREM sleep comprises four progressive stages that seamlessly merge:

