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CancerNCT06693102

Digital Intervention Targeting Cancer-related Cognitive Impairments

A study testing Digital intervention targeting cancer-related cognitive impairments and Crossword and sudoku taks in people with Cancer and Cognitive Impairment, run by Haukeland University Hospital at 1 site in Norway.

Not yet recruiting

Opening soon. The study is approved but enrolment has not started yet. Sites may already take enquiries.

Sites and contacts
Official record
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Trial summary

Cognitive deficits are frequently reported following cancer treatment and can significantly impact daily functioning. These cognitive impairments often persist for years after cancer treatment. Read more about this study

Who is it for?
Ages 18 to 65 years
Conditions the study is for
Cancer, Cognitive Impairment
What is being tested?
Digital intervention targeting cancer-related cognitive impairments and Crossword and sudoku taks
Could I receive a placebo?
No, everyone receives an active treatment
How many people
60 participants
Where
1 siteNorway
Study dates
2 Jan 2025to 2 Jan 2028
Phase
Interventional
Are there results?
Not yet: the study is under way

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 to 65 years
  • All sexes
  • No healthy volunteers
  • Adult, Older adult

Who may be able to join

  • Age between 18 and 65 years,
  • Self-reported cognitive difficulties that are perceived to impact daily functioning (PCI <44 FACT-Cog),
  • Have received cancer treatment,
  • Completed curative treatment at least six months prior,
  • Proficient in speaking and writing Norwegian,
  • Access to a computer, tablet, or smartphone, and the internet.

Who cannot join

  • Neurological disorders (e.g., ADHD, MS, autism),
  • History of severe head injury,
  • Current moderate or severe depression (PHQ-9 score >14),
  • Previously diagnosed with serious mental disorders, such as substance abuse, bipolar disorder, or psychotic disorders.

Trial locations and contacts

1 site in 1 country. Contact the study team or a site near you to ask about taking part.

Norway1 site
  • Haukeland University Hospital

    Bergen, 5002

    Sunniva Brurok Myklebost, PhD, 0047 55556767, sunniva.brurok.myklebost@helse-bergen.no

    Sunniva Brurok Myklebost, PhD

Other trials in Norway

About this study

Cognitive deficits are frequently reported following cancer treatment and can significantly impact daily functioning. These cognitive impairments often persist for years after cancer treatment. This study aimed to examine several aspects of a newly developed digital intervention designed to address cognitive impairments. Specifically, it focused on: (1) evaluating the preliminary effects of the intervention, (2) identifying predictors of treatment response, (3) assessing the feasibility of both the intervention and the study design, (4) gathering participant feedback on the intervention, and (5) testing the applicability of the Norwegian version of the Working Memory Questionnaire within this patient group.

Read the detailed description

Many cancer survivors report cognitive challenges, including problems with concentration, attention, memory, processing speed, and executive functions. These cognitive impairments can persist for years after cancer treatment and are associated with reduced functioning at home and work.

Several approaches for managing cognitive difficulties are described in the literature. One approach is drill-and-practice interventions involving repetitive cognitive training, often employing computer-based tasks that increase in difficulty. Other interventions focus on strategy-based exercises, teaching patients to apply coping strategies in everyday situations. Additionally, psychoeducation is an important component in treating cognitive impairments.

Access to interventions for cognitive impairments remains limited. This limited may be a consequence of limited healthcare professionals resources. One potential solution is to offer digital interventions. The research literature shows that digital interventions are as effective as face-to-face treatment for mental health conditions such as anxiety and depression. In a previous study, we also found that digital interventions for cognitive impairments in depression, to be feasible. Offering digital interventions for cancer-related cognitive impairments might therefore be a promising approach for addressing one of the most common late effects following cancer treatment.

This study aims to assess the preliminary effects and the feasibility of a digital intervention for cancer-related cognitive impairments. Specifically, it aims to reduce self-reported cancer-related cognitive impairments. Additionally, we will examine whether the intervention increase performance on objectively measured cognitive tests. Other outcomes are rumination, life satisfaction, fatigue, depressive symptoms, and anxiety symptoms. Qualitative feedback from participants on their experience with the intervention will be used to refine the program. We will also assess the feasibility of a recently translated questionnaire for measuring working memory in this patient group. The study will include 60 cancer survivors. Thirty of these will receive the digital intervention and 30 will receive paper and pencil crossword and sudoku tasks.

The research questions are:

  1. What preliminary changes in self-reported cognitive impairments and other clinical outcomes are observed among cancer survivors after receiving the digital intervention?
  2. To what extent do clinical and demographic factors influence the usage and response to a digital intervention for cognitive impairments following cancer treatment?
  3. How feasible is the newly developed digital intervention for cognitive impairments?
  4. How do cancer survivors experience a newly developed digital intervention for cognitive impairments?
  5. How effective is the translated version of the Working Memory Assessment Questionnaire in measuring cognitive impairments among Norwegian cancer survivors?
Being tested
Digital intervention targeting cancer-related cognitive impairments, Crossword and sudoku taks
Keywords
cancer survivors, cancer-related cognitive impairments, cognitive remediation, cognitive training, cognitive challenges
Medical subject headings
Neoplasms, Cognitive Dysfunction

What participants receive

What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.

  • Digital intervention targeting cancer-related cognitive impairmentsBehavioural

    The intervention is developed using a person-centered approach and includes key components such as psychoeducation, cognitive training, compensatory strategy training, and cognitive restructuring exercises. Participants receive weekly remote support from a therapist and are encouraged to complete the program within a six-week period.

  • Crossword and sudoku taksBehavioural

    Participants receive crossword and sudoku tasks. They are encourraged to solve such tasks for a minimum of 15 minutes daily for six weeks.

Study groups in NCT06693102
Study groupRoleWhat they receive
Digital intervention targeting cancer related cognitive imapriments.ExperimentalParticipants will undergo a digital intervention designed to address cognitive impairments. The program includes psychoeducation, cognitive training exercises, compensatory strategies, and cognitive restructuring. Weekly therapist support will be available via a chat function to provide guidance and feedback. Participants are encouraged to complete the intervention within a six-week timeframe.
Receives: Behavioral: Digital intervention targeting cancer-related cognitive impairments
Crossword and sudoku tasksActive comparatorParticipants will engage in crossword and Sudoku tasks, with a minimum recommended practice of 15 minutes per day over a six-week period.
Receives: Behavioral: Crossword and sudoku taks

What is being measured

The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.

  1. The Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy- Cognitive Function

    The Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy- Cognitive Function (FACT-Cog) is a validated questionnaire consisting of 37 items designed to assess cognitive difficulties in cancer survivors. It includes four subscales: perceived cognitive impairment, cognitive abilities, feedback from others, and the impact of cognitive decline on quality of life. Total scores ranges from 0-148. Higher scores indicate better cognitive function.

    Measured: pre-assessment to two-year follow-up

Secondary outcomes (1)
  1. Digit Span Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale-IV

    Digit Span Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale-IV measures auditory attention span and working memory. Numbers are read aloud to participants, who repeat the sequence. The sequence length increases, and participants also repeat sequences backward. This test

    Measured: Pre- to six-month follow-up assessments

Timeline

From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.

  1. First posted18 Nov 2024
  2. Study start2 Jan 2025 (estimated)
  3. Primary completion2 Jan 2028 (estimated)
  4. Study completion2 Jan 2028 (estimated)

Resources

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
None (open label)
Enrolment
60 participants (estimated)
IDs, dates and publications
ClinicalTrials.gov ID
NCT06693102
Sponsor's protocol ID
742333
Status last verified
Nov 2024
First submitted
13 Nov 2024
Last updated
18 Nov 2024
Results posted
No
Data monitoring committee
No
FDA-regulated drug
No
FDA-regulated device
No
Individual data sharing
Undecided: Anonymous data may be shared upon reasonable request, subject to restrictions imposed by data protection regulations.

Questions about this trial

What is this clinical trial studying?

A study testing Digital intervention targeting cancer-related cognitive impairments and Crossword and sudoku taks in people with Cancer and Cognitive Impairment, run by Haukeland University Hospital at 1 site in Norway.

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 6 inclusion and 4 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: opening soon, as of the sponsor's last update on 18 Nov 2024. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.

Where is the study taking place?

The record lists 1 site in Norway. 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?

This study is still under way. Results are not available in the source record yet.

How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?

Contact Sunniva Brurok Myklebost, PhD (0047 55556767, sunniva.brurok.myklebost@helse-bergen.no), or a site near the patient. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.

What does the primary outcome measure?

The Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy- Cognitive Function (time frame: pre-assessment to two-year 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 18 Nov 2024.

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