Lisa Maria Wu

Computerized cognitive training in prostate cancer patients on androgen deprivation therapy: a pilot study

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  • Lisa Maria Wu
  • Ali Amidi
  • Molly Tanenbaum, Stanford University, United States
  • Gary Winkel, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, United States
  • Wayne Gordon, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, United States
  • Simon Hall, Departments of Medicine and Urology, Northwell Health, Great Neck, NY, United States
  • Katrin Bovbjerg, Northwestern University, United States
  • Michael Diefenbach, Departments of Medicine and Urology, Northwell Health, Great Neck, NY, United States

Purpose: Prostate cancer patients who have undergone androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) may experience cognitive impairment, yet there is an unmet need for nonpharmacological interventions to address cognitive impairment in this population. This study examines the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary efficacy of a home-based computerized cognitive training (CCT) program to treat cancer-related cognitive impairment. Methods: Sixty men who had received ≥ 3 months of ADT were screened for at least mild cognitive or neurobehavioral impairment and randomized to 8 weeks of CCT or usual care. Follow-up assessments occurred immediately post-intervention or equivalent (T2) and 8 weeks later (T3). The acceptability of CCT was also assessed. Results: Feasibility:A priori feasibility thresholds were partially met (i.e., randomization rate > 50%, retention rate > 70% excluding CCT drop-outs, but < 70% for intent-to-treat). Acceptability: Participants were mostly satisfied with CCT and found it somewhat enjoyable, though barriers to uptake existed. Preliminary efficacy: Linear mixed models indicated significant time by group effects favorable to CCT in reaction time (p =.01), but unfavorable to CCT in verbal and visual memory (ps < .05). Memory was temporarily suppressed in the CCT group at T2, but normalized by T3. There was no effect of CCT on self-reported cognitive functioning, neurobehavioral functioning, nor quality of life. Conclusions: This study provides tentative support for the feasibility and acceptability of CCT to treat mild cognitive impairment in ADT patients. CCT had a beneficial effect on reaction time, but temporarily suppressed memory. CCT’s benefits may be limited to a narrow area of functioning. Larger-scale studies are needed.

Original languageEnglish
JournalSupportive Care in Cancer
Volume26
Issue6
Pages (from-to)1917-1926
Number of pages10
ISSN0941-4355
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2018

    Research areas

  • Antiandrogens, Cancer-related cognitive impairment, Cognition, Computers, Hormone therapy, Oncology

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