Chemotherapy-related Cognitive DysfunctionTAMSNCT04586530
Telehealth and Memory Study
A study testing Memory and Attention Adaptation Training (MAAT) and Supportive Therapy (ST) in people with Chemotherapy-related Cognitive Dysfunction, run by University of Pittsburgh at 2 sites in United States.
Trial summary
The overall purpose of this trial is to confirm the efficacy of Memory and Attention Adaptation Training (MAAT), a cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) for treatment of chemotherapy-related cognitive dysfunction among (female or male) breast cancer survivors. Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 18 years and older
- Conditions the study is for
- Chemotherapy-related Cognitive Dysfunction
- What is being tested?
- Memory and Attention Adaptation Training (MAAT) and Supportive Therapy (ST)
- Type of treatment
- Lifestyle or therapy programme
- Could I receive a placebo?
- No, everyone receives an active treatment
- How many people
- 194 participants
- Where
- 2 sitesUnited States
- Study dates
- 18 Mar 2021to 31 Jul 2026
- Phase
- Interventional
- Are there results?
- None posted in the registry
Key requirements
Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.
- Ages 18 years and older
- All sexes
- No healthy volunteers
- Adult, Older adult
Who may be able to join
- Diagnosis of stage I-III breast cancer
- 1-5 years post-treatment and currently disease free
- Treatment involved adjuvant or neoadjuvant chemotherapy
- Report cognitive problems of memory and concentration attributed to chemotherapy with a score of 10 or below on the FACT-Cog Impact on Quality of Life Scale (a score ~1SD below pre-chemotherapy treatment norms; this criterion was used in our prior R21 study, ensures a clinically meaningful level of cognitive concerns,41 and discriminates high and low PCI scores in prior research42)
- Able to speak and read English
- Age >18
- Able to provide IRB-approved written informed consent
- Willing to use videoconferencing.
Who cannot join
- Previous CNS radiation, intrathecal therapy, or CNS-involved surgery
- Previous cancer history with the exception of non-melanoma skin cancer
- Previous exposure to chemotherapy with another cancer or due to other medical condition (e.g., methotrexate exposure for treatment of rheumatoid arthritis)
- Significant neurodevelopmental, neurobehavioral, or medical risk factors likely to affect cognitive functioning (e.g., history of neurological disorder or TBI of greater than mild severity, such as loss of consciousness >30 minutes, medical disorder that is unstable or likely to affect cognition such as metabolic disorder, heart attack or stroke, uncontrolled diabetes or endocrine dysfunction)
- Currently meeting DSM-5 mental disorder criteria, including but not limited to neurodevelopmental, substance abuse, mood (e.g., Maj.Dep), anxiety, or psychotic disorders
- Scoring 3 or below on the 6-item cognitive screen designed to detect severe memory disorders;43
- Severe uncorrected sensory impairment (severe hearing or visual impairment)
Trial locations and contacts
2 sites in 1 country.
United States2 sites
Indiana University
Indianapolis, Indiana, 46202
UPMC Hillman Cancer Center
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, 15232
About this study
Official title: Mobile Device CBT for Chemotherapy-Related Cognitive Dysfunction: A Multi-Center Randomized Controlled Trial
The overall purpose of this trial is to confirm the efficacy of Memory and Attention Adaptation Training (MAAT), a cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) for treatment of chemotherapy-related cognitive dysfunction among (female or male) breast cancer survivors. This is a multi-center, multi-clinician randomized control trial (MAAT vs. supportive therapy attention control condition). This trial will also evaluate a sub-sample of survivors pre-and post treatment with functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) in a working memory task to evaluate pre-to-post treatment brain activation patterns to elucidate underlying mechanisms of clinical therapeutic change.
Read the detailed description
The primary aim of this multi-site, multi-clinician randomized controlled trial is to determine if Memory and Attention Adaptation Training (MAAT), a cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) intervention, can improve self-reported and objectively measured cognitive functioning in breast cancer survivors who previously received chemotherapy. Breast cancer survivors (Stage I-III) who were treated with chemotherapy 1-5 years prior to enrollment and who have subjective cognitive complaints may be eligible for this study. After eligibility is confirmed, participants will complete baseline assessments of subjective and objective memory and attention functioning as well as behavioral rating scales, and will be randomized to MAAT or Supportive Therapy (ST; to control for therapist time and attention) for 8 weeks. Both treatments (MAAT and ST) will be delivered through videoconferencing using mobile (smartphone, laptop or other electronic device) in order to reduce survivor travel or time away from work or family. Data collection methods will include telephone- and web-administered measures of subjective and objective cognitive function, as well as various behavioral ratings. Outcome assessments will be conducted post-treatment and at 6-month follow-up. It is hypothesized that MAAT participants will have significantly improved scores of self-reported cognitive impairments and objective neurocognitive test scores (on verbal memory and processing speed) at post-treatment and 6-month follow-up compared to participants randomized to ST. In addition, willing and eligible participants will be asked to complete a functional MRI working memory task at baseline and post-treatment, to examine whether those who receive MAAT show greater increase in brain network activation than those who receive ST. This may advance understanding of the neural mechanisms underlying improvement of objective and self-reported cognitive function after chemotherapy. The sample size (n=100/group) will allow for a 10-15% drop out-rate and still provide 80% power to detect group differences using two (Group: MAAT vs. ST) by 3 (time: baseline, posttreatment, 6-month follow-up) ANCOVA at alpha=0.05. Potential baseline differences between MAAT and ST groups on primary outcome variables or other factors that may affect cognition (e.g., anxiety, fatigue or depression) will be evaluated as potential covariates, although such differences due to randomization are not anticipated.
- Being tested
- Memory and Attention Adaptation Training (MAAT), Supportive Therapy (ST)
- Keywords
- Memory and Attention Adaptation Training (MAAT), cognitive-impairment, cancer survivorship
- Medical subject headings
- Chemotherapy-Related Cognitive Impairment, Cognition Disorders
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
Memory and Attention Adaptation Training (MAAT)Behavioural
A cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) for treatment of chemotherapy-related cognitive dysfunction (CRCD) among cancer survivors.
Supportive Therapy (ST)Behavioural
Standard attention control condition therapy for treatment of chemotherapy-related cognitive dysfunction (CRCD) among cancer survivors.
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| Memory and Attention Adaptation Training (MAAT) | Experimental | A videoconference-delivered cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) for treatment of chemotherapy-related cognitive dysfunction (CRCD) among cancer survivors consisting of 8 weekly 45-minute visits with a survivor workbook, that targets: 1) enhancement of survivor self-awareness of "at risk" situations where memory failures occur; 2) emotion regulation through modification of survivor causal attributions and negative cognitive appraisals of memory failures; and 3) training in compensatory strategies to improve performance on daily tasks for which memory. Receives: Behavioral: Memory and Attention Adaptation Training (MAAT) |
| Supportive Therapy (ST) | Active comparator | Standard attention control condition therapy for treatment of chemotherapy-related cognitive dysfunction (CRCD) among cancer survivors consisting of 8, 45-minutes visits. ST, emphasizes "non-specific" psychotherapeutic factors of clinician-participant alliance: empathy, support and warmth. ST will be directed at concerns with cancer survivorship and CRCD. Clinicians will set expectations with ST participants that they will be provided validation of experience, support, and encouragement of building their own coping resources if asked directly about what to do about cognitive problems. ST emphasizes reflective listening to help deepen knowledge of the emotional experience of the participant. Receives: Behavioral: Supportive Therapy (ST) |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
FACT-Cog PCI
The FACT-Cog is a 37-item self-report measure that uses 5- point (0-4) Likert-type ratings that produce four scales: 1) Impact on quality of life; 2) Perceived cognitive impairments; 3) Comments from others; and 3) Perceived cognitive abilities. Higher scores indicate better function and quality of life on each scale. While each scale is scored and interpreted separately, they comprise the total Fact-cog assessment. The FACT-Cog has good evidence of reliability and construct validity. We are assessing change in PCI -- from baseline to post-treatment, to 6-month follow-up-- as our primary measure of outcome.
Measured: At Baseline, Post-Treatment (8 weeks) and 6-Month Follow-up
Secondary outcomes (5)
California Verbal Learning Test-3 (CVLT-3)
The California Verbal Learning Test is a neuropsychological assessment of episodic verbal and working memory and processing speed. Participants listen to series of words and is then asked to recall the terms and the category to which they belong. This assessment attempts to measure how much a subject learned and also reveal strategies employed and the types of errors made. Higher CVLT-3 scores are associated with better memory and processing function.
Measured: At Baseline, Post-Treatment (8 weeks) and 6-Month Follow-up
Controlled Oral Word Association Test (COWAT)
The Controlled Oral Word Association Test (COWAT), is a neuropsychological measure of verbal fluency. The COWAT consists of three word conditions. Participants are asked to produce as many words as they can that begin with the F, A, or S within a 1 minute time period. The total number of words that the individual is able to produce provides a score. Typically, if someone scores less than 17 words, the test administrator will use additional tests to further evaluate cognition.
Measured: At Baseline, Post-Treatment (8 weeks) and 6-Month Follow-up
Digit Span test
The Digit Span test is a neurocognitive subset of both the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale (WAIS) and the Wechsler Memory Scales (WMS) that assesses working memory. Participants read a sequence of numbers and are asked to repeat the same sequence back to the examiner in order (forward span) or in reverse order (backward span). This assessment generates three "raw" scores and one overall age-appropriate normed (standard) score. Higher scores indicate better working memory and neurocognitive function.
Measured: At Baseline, Post-Treatment (8 weeks) and 6-Month Follow-up
Symbol Digit Modalities Test (SDMT)
The Symbol Digit Modalities Test (SDMT) is a neurocognitive screening instrument used to assess neurological dysfunction. Participants are required to use a coded key to match nine abstract symbols paired with numerical digits. Ten (10) practice items before commencing the test. The final score is the correct number of substitutions in 90 seconds, and scores range between 0 and 110. Higher scores indicate better neurocognitive functioning.
Measured: At Baseline, Post-Treatment (8 weeks) and 6-Month Follow-up
functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI)
fMRI assessment of a working memory task (N-Back) will assess brain activation patterns through detection in bloodflow changes. The fMRI N-Back working memory task has been demonstrated to reflect increased activation in response to MAAT treatment among individuals with traumatic brain injury.
Measured: At Baseline and Post-Treatment (8 weeks)
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted14 Oct 2020
- Study start18 Mar 2021
- Primary completion31 Jul 2026
- Study completion31 Jul 2026
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Other trials for Chemotherapy-related Cognitive DysfunctionStudies of the same condition, open and under way.
- More trials run by University of PittsburghThe sponsor's other registered studies.
- What the trial phases meanHow a treatment moves from first tests in people to approval.
More details
For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.
Study design
- Study type
- Interventional
- Phase
- Phase N/A
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- Triple blind
- Who is masked
- Participant, Investigator, Outcomes assessor
- Enrolment
- 194 participants (actual)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- University of Pittsburgh
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Collaborators
- National Cancer Institute (NCI)
- Responsible party
- Principal investigator, Donna Posluszny, University of Pittsburgh
- Investigators
- Robert J Ferguson, PhD, Principal investigator, St. Jude Children's Research HospitalDonna Posluszny, PhD, Principal investigator, University of Pittsburgh
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT04586530
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- STUDY20110394
- Other IDs
- R01CA244673-01A1
- Acronym
- TAMS
- Status last verified
- Jan 2026
- First submitted
- 29 Sep 2020
- Last updated
- 29 Sep 2026
- Results posted
- No
- Data monitoring committee
- Yes
- FDA-regulated drug
- No
- FDA-regulated device
- No
- Individual data sharing
- Yes: NIH funded study - public database
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 29 Sep 2026. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- Mobile Device CBT for Chemotherapy-Related Cognitive Dysfunction: A Multi-Center Randomized Controlled Trial
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT04586530
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- TAMS / STUDY20110394
- Keywords
- Memory and Attention Adaptation Training (MAAT), cognitive-impairment, cancer survivorship
- Study type
- Interventional
- Recruitment status
- Completed
- Enrolment
- 194 participants (actual)
- Lead sponsor
- University of PittsburghUniversity, hospital or other
- Collaborators
- National Cancer Institute (NCI)
- Study start
- 18 Mar 2021 (actual)
- Primary completion
- 31 Jul 2026 (actual)
- Study completion
- 31 Jul 2026 (actual)
- First posted
- 14 Oct 2020 (actual)
- Results
- Not posted in the source record
Clinical summary
The research question as the sponsor registered it. This describes what the study plans to test, not what it found.
The overall purpose of this trial is to confirm the efficacy of Memory and Attention Adaptation Training (MAAT), a cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) for treatment of chemotherapy-related cognitive dysfunction among (female or male) breast cancer survivors. This is a multi-center, multi-clinician randomized control trial (MAAT vs. supportive therapy attention control condition). This trial will also evaluate a sub-sample of survivors pre-and post treatment with functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) in a working memory task to evaluate pre-to-post treatment brain activation patterns to elucidate underlying mechanisms of clinical therapeutic change.
Detailed description
The primary aim of this multi-site, multi-clinician randomized controlled trial is to determine if Memory and Attention Adaptation Training (MAAT), a cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) intervention, can improve self-reported and objectively measured cognitive functioning in breast cancer survivors who previously received chemotherapy. Breast cancer survivors (Stage I-III) who were treated with chemotherapy 1-5 years prior to enrollment and who have subjective cognitive complaints may be eligible for this study. After eligibility is confirmed, participants will complete baseline assessments of subjective and objective memory and attention functioning as well as behavioral rating scales, and will be randomized to MAAT or Supportive Therapy (ST; to control for therapist time and attention) for 8 weeks. Both treatments (MAAT and ST) will be delivered through videoconferencing using mobile (smartphone, laptop or other electronic device) in order to reduce survivor travel or time away from work or family. Data collection methods will include telephone- and web-administered measures of subjective and objective cognitive function, as well as various behavioral ratings. Outcome assessments will be conducted post-treatment and at 6-month follow-up. It is hypothesized that MAAT participants will have significantly improved scores of self-reported cognitive impairments and objective neurocognitive test scores (on verbal memory and processing speed) at post-treatment and 6-month follow-up compared to participants randomized to ST. In addition, willing and eligible participants will be asked to complete a functional MRI working memory task at baseline and post-treatment, to examine whether those who receive MAAT show greater increase in brain network activation than those who receive ST. This may advance understanding of the neural mechanisms underlying improvement of objective and self-reported cognitive function after chemotherapy. The sample size (n=100/group) will allow for a 10-15% drop out-rate and still provide 80% power to detect group differences using two (Group: MAAT vs. ST) by 3 (time: baseline, posttreatment, 6-month follow-up) ANCOVA at alpha=0.05. Potential baseline differences between MAAT and ST groups on primary outcome variables or other factors that may affect cognition (e.g., anxiety, fatigue or depression) will be evaluated as potential covariates, although such differences due to randomization are not anticipated.
Study design
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- Triple blind (participant, investigator, outcomes assessor)
- Number of arms
- 2
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| Memory and Attention Adaptation Training (MAAT) | Experimental | Behavioral: Memory and Attention Adaptation Training (MAAT)A videoconference-delivered cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) for treatment of chemotherapy-related cognitive dysfunction (CRCD) among cancer survivors consisting of 8 weekly 45-minute visits with a survivor workbook, that targets: 1) enhancement of survivor self-awareness of "at risk" situations where memory failures occur; 2) emotion regulation through modification of survivor causal attributions and negative cognitive appraisals of memory failures; and 3) training in compensatory strategies to improve performance on daily tasks for which memory. |
| Supportive Therapy (ST) | Active comparator | Behavioral: Supportive Therapy (ST)Standard attention control condition therapy for treatment of chemotherapy-related cognitive dysfunction (CRCD) among cancer survivors consisting of 8, 45-minutes visits. ST, emphasizes "non-specific" psychotherapeutic factors of clinician-participant alliance: empathy, support and warmth. ST will be directed at concerns with cancer survivorship and CRCD. Clinicians will set expectations with ST participants that they will be provided validation of experience, support, and encouragement of building their own coping resources if asked directly about what to do about cognitive problems. ST emphasizes reflective listening to help deepen knowledge of the emotional experience of the participant. |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 18 years and older
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Not accepted
- Age groups
- Adult, Older adult
Key inclusion criteria (8 listed)
- Diagnosis of stage I-III breast cancer
- 1-5 years post-treatment and currently disease free
- Treatment involved adjuvant or neoadjuvant chemotherapy
- Report cognitive problems of memory and concentration attributed to chemotherapy with a score of 10 or below on the FACT-Cog Impact on Quality of Life Scale (a score ~1SD below pre-chemotherapy treatment norms; this criterion was used in our prior R21 study, ensures a clinically meaningful level of cognitive concerns,41 and discriminates high and low PCI scores in prior research42)
- Able to speak and read English
Key exclusion criteria (7 listed)
- Previous CNS radiation, intrathecal therapy, or CNS-involved surgery
- Previous cancer history with the exception of non-melanoma skin cancer
- Previous exposure to chemotherapy with another cancer or due to other medical condition (e.g., methotrexate exposure for treatment of rheumatoid arthritis)
- Significant neurodevelopmental, neurobehavioral, or medical risk factors likely to affect cognitive functioning (e.g., history of neurological disorder or TBI of greater than mild severity, such as loss of consciousness >30 minutes, medical disorder that is unstable or likely to affect cognition such as metabolic disorder, heart attack or stroke, uncontrolled diabetes or endocrine dysfunction)
- Currently meeting DSM-5 mental disorder criteria, including but not limited to neurodevelopmental, substance abuse, mood (e.g., Maj.Dep), anxiety, or psychotic disorders
Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening; this overview does not establish that a patient qualifies. Full inclusion and exclusion criteria.
Interventions
| Intervention | Type | Arms |
|---|---|---|
| Memory and Attention Adaptation Training (MAAT)A cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) for treatment of chemotherapy-related cognitive dysfunction (CRCD) among cancer survivors. | Behavioural | Memory and Attention Adaptation Training (MAAT) |
| Supportive Therapy (ST)Standard attention control condition therapy for treatment of chemotherapy-related cognitive dysfunction (CRCD) among cancer survivors. | Behavioural | Supportive Therapy (ST) |
Primary outcome
FACT-Cog PCI
Time frame: At Baseline, Post-Treatment (8 weeks) and 6-Month Follow-up
The FACT-Cog is a 37-item self-report measure that uses 5- point (0-4) Likert-type ratings that produce four scales: 1) Impact on quality of life; 2) Perceived cognitive impairments; 3) Comments from others; and 3) Perceived cognitive abilities. Higher scores indicate better function and quality of life on each scale. While each scale is scored and interpreted separately, they comprise the total Fact-cog assessment. The FACT-Cog has good evidence of reliability and construct validity. We are assessing change in PCI -- from baseline to post-treatment, to 6-month follow-up-- as our primary measure of outcome.
5 secondary outcomes
California Verbal Learning Test-3 (CVLT-3)
Time frame: At Baseline, Post-Treatment (8 weeks) and 6-Month Follow-up
Controlled Oral Word Association Test (COWAT)
Time frame: At Baseline, Post-Treatment (8 weeks) and 6-Month Follow-up
Digit Span test
Time frame: At Baseline, Post-Treatment (8 weeks) and 6-Month Follow-up
Symbol Digit Modalities Test (SDMT)
Time frame: At Baseline, Post-Treatment (8 weeks) and 6-Month Follow-up
functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI)
Time frame: At Baseline and Post-Treatment (8 weeks)
Results and safety
The study is completed, but results are not available in the source record. That does not mean the treatment did or did not work.
Research links
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govLast updated by the sponsor 29 Sep 2026.
- Individual participant dataSharing planned: Yes. NIH funded study - public database
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Referral and contact
AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals. Contact the study team or a site listed below; they decide who can take part. This study is not recruiting at the moment.
Robert J Ferguson, PhD principal investigator
St. Jude Children's Research Hospital
Donna Posluszny, PhD principal investigator
University of Pittsburgh
2 sites in 1 country: see every site and its status.
Questions about this trial
What is this clinical trial studying?
A study testing Memory and Attention Adaptation Training (MAAT) and Supportive Therapy (ST) in people with Chemotherapy-related Cognitive Dysfunction, run by University of Pittsburgh at 2 sites in United States.
The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.
Who may be eligible to take part?
The sponsor lists 8 inclusion and 7 exclusion criteria. Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.
Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?
The record says: finished, as of the sponsor's last update on 29 Sep 2026. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.
Where is the study taking place?
The record lists 2 sites in United States. Whether a site is taking part right now should be confirmed with that site. See every site.
What are the possible benefits and risks?
They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.
Are results available for this study?
The study is completed, but results are not available in the source record. That does not mean the treatment did or did not work.
How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?
The record lists no contact. The official record names the sponsor, who can be asked directly. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.
What does the primary outcome measure?
FACT-Cog PCI (time frame: At Baseline, Post-Treatment (8 weeks) and 6-Month Follow-up). It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.
Where can I read the original study information?
Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?
No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.
How often is this information updated?
AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 29 Sep 2026.