Web-based cognitive training for breast cancer survivors with cognitive complaints—a randomized controlled trial
Mené au Danemark auprès de 157 patientes ayant survécu à un cancer du sein, cet essai randomisé analyse l'efficacité d'un programme en ligne pour réduire leurs troubles cognitifs auto-rapportés, améliorer leur fonctionnement neuropsychologique et leurs capacités mnésiques
Background : Cognitive complaints are common amongst breast cancer survivors, and no standard treatment exists. The present study evaluates whether web-based cognitive training can alleviate subjectively reported and objectively assessed cognitive complaints in a sample of breast cancer survivors. The primary and secondary outcomes were an objective measure of working memory and a measure of perceived cognitive functioning. Additional outcomes were neuropsychological tests of memory, ex ecutive function, working memory and questionnaire-based assessment of anxiety, depression and somatization. Methods : A total of 157 female breast cancer survivors were recruited from an existing cohort and through announcements in open access cancer-related Internet fora and randomly allocated to either web-based cognitive training (eCogT) with telephone support (n = 94) or a waitlist control (WLC) condition (n = 63). eCogT encompassed 30 training sessions over 6 weeks. Neuropsychological assessments were undertaken over the telephone, and questionnaire data was collected online. Data was collected at baseline, post-intervention and at 5-month follow-up. Results : Mixed linear models revealed no statistically significant change in primary or secondary outcome at follow-up in either group. Statistically significant improvements (p 0.040–0.043) were found in the eCogT group for verbal learning and on a working memory test. Conclusions : Web-based cognitive training did not result in improvements of the primary or secondary outcome. Improved performance was observed on verbal learning and working memory. These effects were observed at 5-month follow-up, indicating long-term effects of training. The intervention may be applied in a clinical setting at low cost and without risk of adverse effects. © 2016 The Authors. Psycho-Oncology Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.