computerized cognitive retraining in improving cognitive function in breast cancer survivors

Conditions: Cancer Survivor; Stage 0 Breast Cancer; Stage IA Breast Cancer; Stage IB Breast Cancer; Stage IIA Breast Cancer; Stage IIB Breast Cancer; Stage IIIA Breast Cancer; Stage IIIB Breast Cancer; Stage IIIC Breast Cancer

Summary: this randomized clinical trial studies computerized cognitive retraining in improving cognitive function in breast cancer survivors. cancer-related cognitive deficits, such as thinking and memory issues, are common among breast cancer survivors. the severity of these cognitive deficits is associated with a significant negative impact on daily function and quality of life. a computerized cognitive retraining method may help researchers find ways to improve cognitive function and quality of life in breast cancer survivors.

primary objectives: i. evaluate the feasibility and acceptability of a 6-week computerized working memory training program in breast cancer survivors who subjectively report cognitive deficits: evaluate feasibility of study procedures (recruitment and screening procedures, number of participants recruited, screened, and retained, attrition rate and reason, weekly phone calls completed with participants); evaluate the acceptability of an adaptive computerized working memory training intervention (burden, adherence to training schedule, performance level achieved, and participant satisfaction with computerized exercises). secondary objectives: i. to evaluate the difference in the posttest means at t2 (week #7) adjusted for t1 (baselines) in the primary working memory outcomes of visuo-spatial working memory (vswm), visual working memory (vwm), and executive function (ef) as measured by the neuropsychological tests (rey auditory test, wechsler adult intelligence scale \[wais\] iv symbol test, wais iv coding test, delis-kaplan executive function system \[dkfes\] color tests, trails a and trails b tests, and wais iv letter and number sequencing test) and self-report patient reported outcomes measurement information system (promis) surveys (applied cognition general concerns short form, applied cognition executive function short form, and functional assessment of cancer therapy \[fact\] cognitive function) between the intervention group and wait control group. outline: patients are randomized to 1 of 2 arms. arm i (computer-assisted cognitive training): patients complete a computerized working memory training program (cogmed) over 35 minutes a day, 5 times a week for 6 weeks. arm ii (wait list): patients undergo standard follow-up care for 6 weeks. following standard follow-up care, patients may complete cogmed as in the intervention group in weeks 7-13.

Eligibility criteria:
inclusion criteria: * breast cancer (stage 0, i, ii, iii), 18 months to 5 years post oncologic therapies of surgery, chemotherapy, and/or radiation therapy (does not exclude current selective estrogen receptor modulators or aromatase inhibitors) * able to read, write, and speak english * mini mental state exam score greater than or equal to 19 * have reliable internet and daily access to computer with audio/speakers * agree to travel to the seattle cancer care alliance (scca) or university of washington (uw) school of nursing for 2-3 in person assessments over the 12-13 weeks of the study exclusion criteria: * history of multiple cancers * history of central nervous system (cns) disease, cns radiation, intrathecal therapy, or cns surgery * history of traumatic brain injury * neurologic disorders of stroke, encephalitis, dementia, epilepsy, alzheimer's disease, parkinson's disease * self-report of learning disabilities * substance addiction * diagnosis of psychiatric disorders of psychosis, schizophrenia, or bipolar disorder * mini mental state exam score less than 19 * previous participation in cognitive training program * visual impairments such as uncorrected vision or color blindness * uncorrected hearing impairments * self-report that they are not pregnant or planning to become pregnant in the next four months * anticipate moving from the region in the next 4 months * inability to use a mouse or computer keys to navigate around the computer screen