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

PURPOSE: To evaluate the acceptability, satisfaction, and preliminary efficacy of cognitive training for improving cognitive function and health outcomes in breast cancer survivors (BCS). PATIENTS AND METHODS: BCS enrolled in this 2-group randomized, double-masked controlled trial of cognitive training. Primary outcomes included the acceptability and satisfaction of the interventions. Secondary outcomes included examining the effect size and reliable improvement of perceived cognitive function and health outcomes, including work ability, health perception (status and change), and quality of life. Exploratory outcomes were performance on neuropsychological tests and plasma levels of brain-derived neurotropic factor (BDNF). Data were collected at baseline and immediately post-intervention. Using ANCOVA models, the intervention was compared to attention control while adjusting for covariates and baseline values. The effect sizes for differences in means and the reliable improvement percentage were reported. RESULTS: Thirty-six BCS completed the study and were on average 57.6 (SD = 8.0) years old, 59.4% Caucasian, and had some college education (74.5%). Both programs were reported to be satisfactory and acceptable. Non-significant small effect sizes were noted for the intervention on cognitive abilities (d = 0.26) and cognitive concerns (d = - 0.32), with reliable improvement noted in 32% and 28% of BCS, respectively. Small to medium effect sizes were noted in improvement in work ability (d = 0.37) and health perception status (d = 0.30) and change (d = 0.60, p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Cognitive training was acceptable to BCS and resulted in improvement in perceived cognitive function and perceptions of "real-world" health benefits. A larger randomized controlled trial is warranted to determine its effectiveness for objective cognitive performance.

Association of cognitive impairment and breast cancer survivorship on quality of life in younger breast cancer survivors.

PURPOSE: Younger breast cancer survivors (BCS) often report cognitive impairment and poor quality of life (QoL), which could be interrelated. The purpose of this study was to examine the association of cognitive impairment and breast cancer status (BCS versus healthy control (HC)), with QoL, which included psychological (depressive symptoms, well-being, perceived stress, and personal growth) and physical well-being (physical functioning and fatigue). METHODS: Four hundred ninety-eight BCS (≤45 years at diagnosis) who were 3 to 8 years post-chemotherapy treatment and 394 HC completed subjective questionnaires and a one-time neuropsychological assessment, including tests of attention, memory, processing speed, and verbal fluency. For each test, cognitive impairment was defined as scoring 1.5 and 2.0 standard deviations below the mean of the HC group. Separate linear regression models for each outcome were ran controlling for known covariates. RESULTS: BCS reported significantly more memory problems than HC (p < 0.0001), with up to 23% having significant impairment. Cognitive performance did not differ significantly between BCS and HCs. BCS vs. HCs had greater depression and fatigue, yet more personal growth. Objective and subjective cognitive impairment were significantly related to greater depressive symptoms and perceived stress and lower well-being and physical functioning; whereas, objective impairment was related to less personal growth and subjective impairment was related to greater fatigue. CONCLUSIONS: Younger BCS report significant cognitive impairment years after treatment which may relate to greater decrements in QoL. IMPLICATIONS TO CANCER SURVIVORS: Assessment and interventions to address cognitive concerns may also influence QoL outcomes in younger BCS.