60 Participants Needed

Memory Training for Breast Cancer Survivors

Age: 18+
Sex: Female
Trial Phase: Academic
Sponsor: Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center
No Placebo GroupAll trial participants will receive the active study treatment (no placebo)

Trial Summary

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.

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.12345

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.12467

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.16789

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.

Research Team

ER

Elizabeth Ryan, PhD

Principal Investigator

Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center

Eligibility Criteria

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.
See 8 more

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.
See 7 more

Timeline

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)

Treatment Details

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.
Participant Groups
2Treatment groups
Experimental Treatment
Group I: Collateral sourceExperimental Treatment1 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 survivorsExperimental Treatment1 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.

Find a Clinic Near You

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+

Findings from Research

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.
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.
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.
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]

References

Advanced cognitive training for breast cancer survivors: a randomized controlled trial. [2022]
Cognitive-behavioral management of chemotherapy-related cognitive change. [2022]
Randomized double-masked controlled trial of cognitive training in breast cancer survivors: a preliminary study. [2023]
Perceived Cognitive Impairment in Breast Cancer Survivors and Its Relationships with Psychological Factors. [2020]
A video-game based cognitive training for breast cancer survivors with cognitive impairment: A prospective randomized pilot trial. [2023]
Attention and memory deficits in breast cancer survivors: implications for nursing practice and research. [2014]
The Feasibility of Web-Based Working Memory Training in Patients With Cancer Attending Inpatient Rehabilitation. [2023]
Symptom management of affective and cognitive disturbance with a group of cancer survivors. [2021]
Web-based cognitive training for breast cancer survivors with cognitive complaints-a randomized controlled trial. [2022]
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