Memory Training for Breast Cancer Survivors

Age: 18+

Sex: Female

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center

Disqualifiers: Neurological disorders, Bipolar, Schizophrenia, others

No Placebo Group All trial participants will receive the active study treatment (no placebo)

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: 2

Duration: 5 weeks

60 Participants Needed

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

The purpose of this study is to test a memory training program for breast cancer survivors who have problems with memory after receiving chemotherapy. Since breast cancer survivors have been reported to have trouble with their memory, a program to help these problems is important. Studies have shown that a 5-week software training program improved memory in pediatric cancer survivors and other disorders like stroke, but it has not been tested for breast cancer survivors. This study will see if breast cancer survivors can improve their memory and attention problems by using either one of two software versions of the program. One version is called Cogmed Working Memory Training, and the other is a comparison version of the software that has the same exercises but is less difficult. People who decide to participate in the study will be randomly given one of the two versions.

Will I have to stop taking my current medications?

The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications. It is best to discuss this with the trial coordinators or your doctor.

Is memory training safe for breast cancer survivors?

Memory training programs, like the Cogmed Working Memory Training Program, have been studied in various settings and are generally considered safe for humans. Participants in studies often report high satisfaction and improvements in cognitive function, with no significant safety concerns noted. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

How does the Cogmed Working Memory Training Program treatment differ from other treatments for memory issues in breast cancer survivors?

The Cogmed Working Memory Training Program is unique because it is a web-based cognitive training specifically designed to improve working memory, which is often affected in breast cancer survivors. Unlike other treatments, it focuses on enhancing cognitive functions through structured online exercises, and there is no standard treatment for these cognitive complaints in breast cancer survivors. ^{1 3 5 6 7}

What data supports the effectiveness of the treatment Cogmed Working Memory Training Program for breast cancer survivors?

Research shows that memory training can improve memory performance in breast cancer survivors, with improvements seen at a 2-month follow-up. Additionally, cognitive-behavioral treatments have been found to help manage memory and attention issues in breast cancer survivors, suggesting that similar cognitive training programs may be beneficial. ^{1 2 4 8 9}

Who Is on the Research Team?

Elizabeth Ryan, PhD

Principal Investigator

Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

This trial is for female breast cancer survivors aged 18-69 who've had chemotherapy 1-10 years ago and are currently disease-free. They must speak English, have basic computer skills, internet access, and show memory problems on specific tests. Excluded are those with significant past brain injury or cognitive issues from other conditions.

Inclusion Criteria

Must be able speak, read and write English well enough to complete written and verbal assessments and neurocognitive tests

You need to show that your memory and thinking skills are below a certain level compared to others, based on specific tests and assessments.

I have a family member or friend who sees me at least once a week.

Exclusion Criteria

I have a neurological disorder like Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, MS, or epilepsy.

I have had a traumatic brain injury with significant loss of consciousness or lasting effects.

My cancer has come back.

Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Treatment

Participants undergo a 5-week memory training program using one of two software versions to improve memory and attention problems

5 weeks

Follow-up

Participants complete two follow-up neurocognitive assessments to test for maintenance of treatment effect

4 months

2 visits (in-person)

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

• Cogmed Working Memory Training Program

Trial Overview The study evaluates a memory training program called Cogmed Working Memory Training to see if it improves memory and attention in breast cancer survivors post-chemotherapy. Participants will use either the standard software or a less challenging version randomly assigned.

How Is the Trial Designed?

Group I: Collateral source Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

Participants from both groups will be asked to complete two follow up neurocognitive assessments face to face at MSKCC. The first will be completed within 1-4 weeks after completing the memory training and the second will take place 3-4 months after completing the memory training. Collateral sources will be contacted at these same points to complete their brief assessments as well to test for maintenance of the treatment effect.

Group II: Breast cancer survivors Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

Participants from both groups will be asked to complete two follow up neurocognitive assessments face to face at MSKCC. The first will be completed within 1-4 weeks after completing the memory training and the second will take place 3-4 months after completing the memory training. Collateral sources will be contacted at these same points to complete their brief assessments as well to test for maintenance of the treatment effect.

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center

Lead Sponsor

Trials

1,998

Recruited

602,000+

MARTELL FOUNDATION

Collaborator

Trials

1

Recruited

60+

Published Research Related to This Trial

In a study involving 82 breast cancer survivors, both memory training and speed of processing training showed significant improvements in cognitive function, with speed of processing training leading to immediate and lasting enhancements in processing speed and verbal memory.

Participants reported high satisfaction and acceptability for both interventions, indicating that these cognitive training programs could be beneficial and well-received by breast cancer survivors.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Advanced cognitive training for breast cancer survivors: a randomized controlled trial. Von Ah, D., Carpenter, JS., Saykin, A., et al.[2022]

A pilot study involving 29 breast cancer survivors, averaging 8 years post-chemotherapy, showed that a cognitive-behavioral treatment called Memory and Attention Adaptation Training (MAAT) led to significant improvements in self-reported cognitive function and quality of life.

Participants reported high satisfaction with MAAT, indicating it is a feasible and practical approach to help manage cognitive dysfunction related to chemotherapy, suggesting further evaluation is warranted.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Cognitive-behavioral management of chemotherapy-related cognitive change. Ferguson, RJ., Ahles, TA., Saykin, AJ., et al.[2022]

Cognitive training was found to be acceptable and satisfactory for breast cancer survivors, with 36 participants reporting improvements in perceived cognitive function and health outcomes after the intervention.

While the study showed small effect sizes for cognitive abilities, there were notable improvements in work ability and health perception, suggesting potential real-world benefits that warrant further investigation in larger trials.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Randomized double-masked controlled trial of cognitive training in breast cancer survivors: a preliminary study. Von Ah, D., McDonald, BC., Crouch, AD., et al.[2023]

A web-based cognitive training video game, used alongside standard rehabilitation care, significantly improved self-reported cognitive failures in breast cancer patients, with a notable improvement in the intervention group compared to the control group.

Overall cognitive functioning, as measured by various neuropsychological tests, showed significant enhancements over time, particularly in areas like reaction time and visual memory, indicating that cognitive training can be beneficial for cognitive decline in breast cancer patients.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

A video-game based cognitive training for breast cancer survivors with cognitive impairment: A prospective randomized pilot trial. Bellens, A., Roelant, E., Sabbe, B., et al.[2023]

The study found that web-based working memory training (Cogmed QM) is feasible during inpatient cancer rehabilitation, with 89.6% of eligible patients starting the training and 89.6% adhering to it during their hospital stay.

While participants showed significant improvements in working memory tasks, adherence to the home-based training after discharge was lower (65.5%), indicating that barriers such as time constraints and lack of motivation need to be addressed in future studies.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

The Feasibility of Web-Based Working Memory Training in Patients With Cancer Attending Inpatient Rehabilitation. Engan, H., Skanke, F., Dahl, V., et al.[2023]

Citations

1. Netherlands pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Advanced cognitive training for breast cancer survivors: a randomized controlled trial. [2022]

2. England pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Cognitive-behavioral management of chemotherapy-related cognitive change. [2022]

3. Germany pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Randomized double-masked controlled trial of cognitive training in breast cancer survivors: a preliminary study. [2023]

4. Switzerland pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Perceived Cognitive Impairment in Breast Cancer Survivors and Its Relationships with Psychological Factors. [2020]

5. Netherlands pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

A video-game based cognitive training for breast cancer survivors with cognitive impairment: A prospective randomized pilot trial. [2023]

6. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Attention and memory deficits in breast cancer survivors: implications for nursing practice and research. [2014]

7. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

The Feasibility of Web-Based Working Memory Training in Patients With Cancer Attending Inpatient Rehabilitation. [2023]

8. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Symptom management of affective and cognitive disturbance with a group of cancer survivors. [2021]

9. England pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Web-based cognitive training for breast cancer survivors with cognitive complaints-a randomized controlled trial. [2022]