Brain Training for Breast Cancer Survivors
Recruiting in Palo Alto (17 mi)
Overseen bySandra B Chapman, PhD
Age: 18+
Sex: Female
Travel: May Be Covered
Time Reimbursement: Varies
Trial Phase: Academic
Waitlist Available
Sponsor: The University of Texas at Dallas
No Placebo Group
Trial Summary
What is the purpose of this trial?This study will investigate the benefits of distinct brain health trainings in breast cancer survivors (age 30-80) with cognitive concerns post-chemotherapy. This study can be completed from the comfort of participant's own home.
Do I have to stop taking my current medications for the trial?
The trial protocol does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications.
What data supports the idea that Brain Training for Breast Cancer Survivors is an effective treatment?
The available research shows that Brain Training for Breast Cancer Survivors, specifically speed of processing training, is effective. It improved processing speed and memory in breast cancer survivors both immediately after the training and two months later. Participants also reported better cognitive functioning, less distress from symptoms like mood disturbance and anxiety, and an improved quality of life. Satisfaction with the treatment was high, suggesting it is a promising option for managing cognitive changes in breast cancer survivors.
12345What safety data exists for the SMART treatment for breast cancer survivors?
The provided research does not directly address the safety data for the SMART treatment or similar cognitive training interventions for breast cancer survivors. The studies focus on cognitive impairments in breast cancer survivors and potential interventions, but do not provide specific safety data for the SMART treatment.
12567Eligibility Criteria
This study is for female breast cancer survivors aged 30-80 who have completed chemotherapy between 6 months and 5 years ago, are fluent in English, and feel their thinking has changed since treatment. Participants need internet access and a device to join the online training but can't join if they've had brain injuries post-chemotherapy, substance abuse issues, certain neurological or psychotic disorders, recent cognitive training, or severe hearing/vision problems.Inclusion Criteria
I am a female breast cancer survivor aged between 30 and 80.
I am a female breast cancer survivor who received chemotherapy.
I am a female breast cancer survivor and I consider myself fluent in English.
+4 more
Exclusion Criteria
You have a vision or hearing problem that would make it hard for you to read or listen to training material.
I am male.
My breast cancer has come back or I have been diagnosed with another type.
+5 more
Participant Groups
The trial explores three different online brain health trainings (A, B, C) designed to help improve cognitive function in breast cancer survivors experiencing 'brain fog' after chemotherapy. The effectiveness of each method will be compared to see which one offers the most benefit.
3Treatment groups
Experimental Treatment
Active Control
Group I: Brain Training AExperimental Treatment1 Intervention
This group will access one type of online brain-health oriented training.
Group II: Brain Training BActive Control1 Intervention
This group will access a distinct type of online brain-health oriented training.
Group III: Brain Training CActive Control1 Intervention
This group will access a distinct type of online brain-health oriented training.
Find a Clinic Near You
Research Locations NearbySelect from list below to view details:
The Center for BrainHealth at the University of Texas at DallasDallas, TX
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Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
The University of Texas at DallasLead Sponsor
References
A video-game based cognitive training for breast cancer survivors with cognitive impairment: A prospective randomized pilot trial. [2023]We investigated whether a web-based cognitive training video game is an effective approach to improve cognitive decline in combination with our standard of care for rehabilitation of breast cancer (BC) patients.
Cognitive function in breast cancer survivors compared to healthy age- and education-matched women. [2021]The cognitive function of breast cancer survivors (BC, n = 52) and individually matched healthy controls (n = 52) was compared on a battery of sensitive neuropsychological tests. The BC group endorsed significantly higher levels of subjective memory loss and scored significantly worse than controls on learning and delayed recall indices from the Rey Auditory Verbal Learning Test (AVLT). Defining clinically significant impairment as scores at or below the 7th percentile of the control group, the rate of cognitive impairment in the BC sample was 17% for total learning on the AVLT, 17% for delayed recall on the AVLT, and 25% for either measure. Findings indicate that a sizeable percentage of breast cancer survivors have clinically significant cognitive impairment.
Speed of processing training in middle-aged and older breast cancer survivors (SOAR): results of a randomized controlled pilot. [2019]Cognitive changes are common among breast cancer survivors. There is limited evidence to guide management of cognitive changes. This randomized controlled pilot evaluated the preliminary efficacy of a speed of processing (SOP) training among middle-aged and older breast cancer survivors.
Advanced cognitive training for breast cancer survivors: a randomized controlled trial. [2022]The purpose of this study was to evaluate the preliminary efficacy and satisfaction/acceptability of training in memory or speed of processing versus wait-list control for improving cognitive function in breast cancer survivors. 82 breast cancer survivors completed a three-group randomized, controlled trial. Primary outcomes were objective neuropsychological tests of memory and speed of processing. Secondary outcomes were perceived cognitive functioning, symptom distress (mood disturbance, anxiety, and fatigue), quality of life, and intervention satisfaction/acceptability. Data were collected at baseline, post-intervention, and 2-month follow-up. Using repeated-measures mixed-linear ANCOVA models, each intervention was compared to wait-list control while adjusting for age, education, and baseline measures. The effect sizes for differences in means and the reliable improvement percentage were reported. The results show that domain-specific effects were seen for both interventions: memory training improved memory performance at 2-month follow-up (p = 0.036, d = 0.59); speed of processing training improved processing speed post-intervention (p = 0.040, d = 0.55) and 2-month follow-up (p = 0.016; d = 0.67). Transfer effects to non-trained domains were seen for speed of processing training with improved memory post-intervention (p = 0.007, d = 0.75) and 2-month follow-up (p = 0.004, d = 0.82). Both interventions were associated with improvements in perceived cognitive functioning, symptom distress, and quality of life. Ratings of satisfaction/acceptability were high for both interventions. It was concluded that while both interventions appeared promising, speed of processing training resulted in immediate and durable improvements in objective measures of processing speed and verbal memory. Speed of processing training may have broader benefits in this clinical population.
What do perceived cognitive problems reflect? [2021]Women with breast cancer frequently report cognitive problems to healthcare providers during and after adjuvant therapy. Patients' perceptions of their cognitive problems would be expected to relate to objectively measured cognitive impairments. We explored the relationship between perceived cognitive function and objective ratings of thinking ability in early-stage breast cancer patients receiving hormonal therapy. In particular, we targeted objective measures of learning and memory as the primary endpoints in this exploratory study. We included a comprehensive battery of objective measures of cognitive function to explore relationships between perceived cognitive problems and impairments in other domains of cognitive function. At a minimum, our results indicated that women's complaints of cognitive problems should prompt additional assessment to clarify the bases of the problem and initiate appropriate intervention.
The impact of adjuvant therapy for breast cancer on cognitive function: current evidence and directions for research. [2019]Available evidence supports the hypothesis that adjuvant chemotherapy for breast cancer can produce cognitive deficits, and that these deficits may have a significant impact on patients' quality of life. Studies have generally compared the results of a variety of cognitive measures performed following treatment to standardized population-based norms or to cancer patients who received local therapy, rather than to the individual's baseline level of functioning. Several longitudinal studies are in progress or in the planning stages to better quantify and understand the incidence and impact of cognitive effects of adjuvant chemotherapy, and to identify possible susceptibility factors in subgroups. Although the neurocognitive changes appear to be subtle, there may be enough data to consider discussing the possibility of cognitive dysfunction as an adverse effect when assessing the risks and benefits of adjuvant chemotherapy. Likewise, as the aromatase inhibitors are increasingly given to larger numbers of women in the adjuvant setting, it will be important to understand the cognitive impact of estrogen deprivation. Finally, there is interest in examining supportive pharmacologic or behavioral measures that might prevent or decrease cognitive effects in this setting. Herein, the data on cognitive changes associated with chemotherapy for breast cancer, current and future research directions, as well as possible treatments are reviewed.
A pilot study of prospective memory functioning in early breast cancer survivors. [2013]To evaluate prospective memory (PM) functioning in early breast cancer (BC) survivors and its association with fatigue and depression.
Cognitive training for improving executive function in chemotherapy-treated breast cancer survivors. [2022]A majority of breast cancer (BC) survivors, particularly those treated with chemotherapy, experience long-term cognitive deficits that significantly reduce quality of life. Among the cognitive domains most commonly affected include executive functions (EF), such as working memory, cognitive flexibility, multitasking, planning, and attention. Previous studies in other populations have shown that cognitive training, a behavioral method for treating cognitive deficits, can result in significant improvements in a number of cognitive skills, including EF.
Randomized double-masked controlled trial of cognitive training in breast cancer survivors: a preliminary study. [2023]To evaluate the acceptability, satisfaction, and preliminary efficacy of cognitive training for improving cognitive function and health outcomes in breast cancer survivors (BCS).
Individualized Piano Instruction for Improving Cognition in Breast Cancer Survivors. [2020]To evaluate the use of individualized piano instruction (IPI) for improving cognition among breast cancer survivors.