NCT05283629

nCCR for Chemotherapy Related Cognitive Impairment Randomized Study

Neuroplasticity-Based Cognitive Remediation for Chemotherapy Related Cognitive Impairment Randomized Study

• Status: Active Not Recruiting
• Phase: N/A
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 50 (estimated)
• Sponsor: University of Massachusetts, Worcester · Academic / Other
• Sex: All
• Age: 35 Years – 80 Years
• Healthy volunteers: Not accepted

Summary

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

Detailed 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.

Conditions

• Chemo-brain
• Chemotherapy-Related Cognitive Impairment

Interventions

Type	Name	Description
BEHAVIORAL	Neuroplasticity-based Computerized Cognitive Remediation	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.
BEHAVIORAL	Active Control Condition	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.

Timeline

• Start date: 2022-08-01
• Primary completion: 2029-06-01
• Completion: 2030-03-01
• First posted: 2022-03-17
• Last updated: 2026-01-08

Locations

1 site across 1 country: United States