nCCR for Chemotherapy Related Cognitive Impairment Randomized Study

University of Massachusetts, Worcester

Status: Active, not recruiting

Conditions: Chemotherapy-Related Cognitive Impairment; Chemo-brain

Treatments: Behavioral: Neuroplasticity-based Computerized Cognitive Remediation; Behavioral: Active Control Condition

Study type: Interventional

Funder types: Other

Identifiers

NCT05283629

211521

Details and patient eligibility

About

The investigators propose to apply neuroplasticity-based computerized cognitive remediation (nCCR) to treat chemotherapy-related cognitive impairment (CRCI).

Full description

Successes in breast cancer treatment are resulting in a growing number of cancer survivors. This has broadened the scope of care from treating the disease alone to improving the quality of life of cancer survivors. Chemotherapy-related cognitive impairment (CRCI), often referred to by patients as 'chemobrain,' is a common and highly distressful side effect of chemotherapy often reported by breast cancer survivors. Managing the symptoms of CRCI should be integrated with routine cancer care as these symptoms diminish quality of life, impair work performance, and make it more difficult for patients to follow treatment regimens. CRCI can persist for months to years following cancer treatment. However, there are currently no established treatments for CRCI.

The most commonly reported CRCI symptoms in breast cancer survivors include problems with executive functions. Executive function is a cognitive domain involved in planning, problem-solving, organization, and time management. In order to improve executive dysfunction and quality of life in breast cancer survivors, we propose to use a new brain training program called neuroplasticity-based computerized cognitive remediation (nCCR). The term 'neuroplasticity' refers to the brain's ability to modify, change, and adapt throughout life and in response to experience. Neuroplacticity can be induced through the use of focused brain training that nCCR offers. Past work demonstrates that this neuroscience-guided brain training benefits other patient populations with similar cognitive problems and has shown preliminary success in cancer survivors in a small pilot study. If successful, this treatment could have significant benefits for large numbers of breast cancer survivors.

Enrollment: 50 estimated patients

Sex: All

Ages: 35 to 80 years old

Volunteers: No Healthy Volunteers

Inclusion criteria

All participants will:

• between 35 and 80 years of age
• have been diagnosed with noninvasive or invasive breast cancer
• have undergone treatment with systemic chemotherapy within the last 1- 8 years
• endorse persistent CRCI subjective complaints
• have no active unstable medical condition
• fluent in and able to read English.

Exclusion criteria

Participants will be excluded for

• any active neurologic or untreated/non-remitted psychiatric disease, (e.g. active major depression or another major psychiatric disorder as described in DSM-5)
• clinically significant cognitive impairment identified on cognitive screening, diagnosis of mild cognitive impairment or dementia
• history of significant head trauma followed by persistent neurologic deficits
• history of alcohol or substance abuse or dependence within the past 2 years (DSM-5 criteria)
• any significant systemic illness or unstable medical condition which could lead to difficulty complying with the protocol
• Use of any investigational drugs within 30 days or 5 half-lives, whichever is longer, prior to screening
• red-green color blindness
• Use of certain CNS active medications (e.g. antidepressants) will be permitted, provided dosing has been stable for at least 3 months.

Trial design

Primary purpose: Treatment

Allocation: Randomized

Interventional model: Parallel Assignment

Masking: Double Blind

---

50 participants in 2 patient groups

Neuroplasticity-based Computerized Cognitive Remediation

Experimental group

Description:

Behavioral: Neuroplasticity-based Computerized Cognitive Remediation Participants will engage in a computerized training program designed to support cognitive health in older adults. The program includes a variety of exercises that target basic sensory processing as well as higher-level cognitive functions. Training tasks adapt in difficulty based on individual performance and are intended to improve information processing and executive skills. Activities are delivered in a structured format and customized to participant progress.

Treatment:

Behavioral: Neuroplasticity-based Computerized Cognitive Remediation

Active Comparison Control

Active Comparator group

Description:

The active control condition is a structured, learning-based program designed to match the nCCR intervention in terms of duration, computer use, audiovisual engagement, and participant contact with research staff.

Treatment:

Behavioral: Active Control Condition