Non-pharmacological interventions for cognitive impairment due to systemic cancer treatment

Comparative effectiveness of interventions for cancer treatment-related cognitive impairment in adult cancer survivors: protocol for a systematic review

BACKGROUND

Cancer treatment-related cognitive impairment (CTRCI) can substantially reduce the quality of life of cancer survivors. Many treatments of CTRCI have been evaluated in randomized controlled trials (RCTs), including psychological interventions, pharmacologic interventions, and other therapies. There is a pressing need to establish the benefits and harms of previously studied CTRCI treatments. The proposed systematic review and network meta-analyses will assess the relative efficacy and safety of competing interventions for the management of CTRCI.

METHODS

In consultation with the review team, an experienced medical information specialist will draft electronic search strategies for MEDLINE®, Embase, CINAHL, PsycINFO, and the Cochrane Trials Registry. We will seek RCTs of interventions for the treatment of CTRCI in adults with any cancer, except cancers/metastases of the central nervous system. Due to the anticipated high search yields, dual independent screening of citations will be expedited by use of an artificial intelligence/machine learning tool. The co-primary outcomes of interest will be subjective and objective cognitive function. Secondary outcomes of interest will include measures of quality of life, mental and physical health symptoms, adherence to treatment, and harms (overall and treatment-related harms and harms associated with study withdrawal), where feasible, random-effects meta-analyses and network meta-analyses will be pursued. We will address the anticipated high clinical and methodological heterogeneity through meta-regressions, subgroup analyses, and/or sensitivity analyses.

DISCUSSION

The proposed systematic review will deliver a robust comparative evaluation of the efficacy and safety of existing therapies for the management of CTRCI. These findings will inform clinical decisions, identify evidence gaps, and identify promising therapies for future evaluation in RCTs.

Risk factors for oral mucositis in patients with solid tumors under treatment with cetuximab: a retrospective cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND

This study retrospectively analyzed the risk factors for oral mucositis (OM) during cetuximab treatment.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

We screened patients using cetuximab and retrospectively evaluated the presence of OM based on medical records. We collected information from 2 years of evaluations. Patient medical records were reviewed to obtain data on chemotherapy cycle and dose, sex, age, primary tumor, TNM stage, and head and neck radiotherapy (HNR) history. The X2 test and multinomial logistic regression were used for statistical analysis (SPSS 20.0, p < 0.05).

RESULTS

Among 1831 patients, OM was showed in 750 in any grade (41%), during cetuximab treatment. Most patients were female (n=944, 51.6%), <70years-old (n=1149, 62.8%), had larynx cancer (n=789, 43.1%) in T4 (n=579, 47.7%), N0 (n=509, 52.6%) stages. Primary tumor surgery was performed in 1476 (80.6%) patients, radiotherapy in 606 (33.1%) patients and cetuximab protocols most used involved up to four cycles (n=1072, 58.5%) of <400mg (n=996, 54.4%) cetuximab doses. Female (OR [odds ratio] = 2.17, CI95% = 1.26-3.75), >70 years-old patients (OR = 16.02, CI95% = 11.99-21.41), with HHNR (OR = 1.84, 1.41-2.40), treated with >4 cycles (OR = 1.52, CI95% = 1.16-2.01) and high doses of cetuximab (OR = 3.80, CI95% = 2.52-5.71) are the greatest risk factors for OM.

CONCLUSIONS

Since the clinical benefit of cetuximab in the treatment of older patients is limited and there is a high OM, especially in women with head and neck treated with radiotherapy, high doses and a high number of cetuximab cycles must be administered with caution.

Neuroimaging based biotypes for precision diagnosis and prognosis in cancer-related cognitive impairment

Cancer related cognitive impairment (CRCI) is commonly associated with cancer and its treatments, yet the present binary diagnostic approach fails to capture the full spectrum of this syndrome. Cognitive function is highly complex and exists on a continuum that is poorly characterized by dichotomous categories. Advanced statistical methodologies applied to symptom assessments have demonstrated that there are multiple subclasses of CRCI. However, studies suggest that relying on symptom assessments alone may fail to account for significant differences in the neural mechanisms that underlie a specific cognitive phenotype. Treatment plans that address the specific physiologic mechanisms involved in an individual patient's condition is the heart of precision medicine. In this narrative review, we discuss how biotyping, a precision medicine framework being utilized in other mental disorders, could be applied to CRCI. Specifically, we discuss how neuroimaging can be used to determine biotypes of CRCI, which allow for increased precision in prediction and diagnosis of CRCI via biologic mechanistic data. Biotypes may also provide more precise clinical endpoints for intervention trials. Biotyping could be made more feasible with proxy imaging technologies or liquid biomarkers. Large cross-sectional phenotyping studies are needed in addition to evaluation of longitudinal trajectories, and data sharing/pooling is highly feasible with currently available digital infrastructures.

Protocol for a prospective, longitudinal study of cognitive impairment in young patients with cancer: a multidisciplinary neuroscience approach (MyBrain)

INTRODUCTION

The aim of this research is to investigate young cancer patients' cognitive functioning and the underlying neurobiological mechanisms when cognitive functions are impaired. The MyBrain protocol is a multidisciplinary study that investigates cancer-related cognitive impairment in children, adolescents and young adults, combining neuropsychology, cognitive neuroscience and cellular neuroscience. The study is exploratory with a wide focus on trajectories of cognitive functions from diagnosis to the end of treatment and into survivorship.

METHODS AND ANALYSIS

Prospective longitudinal study including patients diagnosed with non-brain cancers at age 7-29 years. Each patient is paired with a control matched on age and social circle.

PRIMARY OBJECTIVE

Evaluation of neurocognitive function over time.

SECONDARY OBJECTIVES

Evaluation of self-perceived quality of life and fatigue, P300 in an electroencephalography (EEG) oddball paradigm, power spectrum in resting state EEG, serum and cerebrospinal fluid levels of biomarkers of neuronal damage, neuroplasticity, proinflammatory and anti-inflammatory markers and their association with cognitive function.

ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION

The study is approved by the Regional Ethics Committee for the Capital Region of Denmark (no. H-21028495), and the Danish Data Protection Agency (no. P-2021-473). Results are expected to guide future interventions to prevent brain damage and support patients with cognitive difficulties.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

The article is registered at clinicaltrials.gov NCT05840575 (https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT05840575).

Neurologic complications of breast cancer

Breast cancer is a heterogeneous disease with unique neurologic complications that can arise from central nervous system (CNS) involvement or secondary to treatments themselves. As progress is made, with more targeted therapies and combinations available, particularly in the realm of human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)-positive disease, the role of these new agents in patients with CNS disease is gradually evolving, although intracranial efficacy itself is lagging. At the same time, both systemic and local standard therapies pose clinical challenges regarding neurologic complications, such as peripheral neuropathy and cognitive changes. The development of new agents, such as immunotherapy, and new strategies, such as incorporating systemic therapies into local therapy, unveil new presentations of neurological complications.

A Telehealth-Based Cognitive-Adaptive Training (e-OTCAT) to Prevent Cancer and Chemotherapy-Related Cognitive Impairment in Women with Breast Cancer: Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial

Background: Many women with breast cancer experience a great number of side effects, such as cognitive impairment, during and after chemotherapy that reduces their quality of life. Currently, research focusing on the use of non-pharmacological, and specifically telehealth interventions to prevent or mitigate them has been insufficient. Methods: This protocol describes a randomized controlled trial aimed at studying the preventive effects of a videoconferenced cognitive-adaptive training (e-OTCAT) program (ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04783402). A number of 98 eligible participants will be randomized to one of the following groups: (a) the experimental group receiving the e-OTCAT program during 12 consecutive weeks since the beginning of chemotherapy; and (b) the control group receiving and educational handbook and usual care. The primary outcome will be the cognitive function. Secondary measures will be psychological distress, fatigue, sleep disturbance, quality of life and occupational performance. The time-points for these measures will be placed at baseline, after 12 weeks and six months of post-randomization. Conclusion: This trial may support the inclusion of multidimensional interventions through a telehealth approach in a worldwide growing population suffering from breast cancer, emphasizing the prevention of cognitive impairment as one of the side effects of cancer and its treatments.

Effective non-pharmacological interventions for cancer related cognitive impairment in adults (excluding central nervous system or head and neck cancer): systematic review and meta-analysis

INTRODUCTION

Cancer-related cognitive impairment (CRCI) is prevalent in cancer survivors, and impairments affect daily living tasks and overall wellbeing. This review aimed to identify and evaluate published randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of interventions to manage CRCI in adult populations, to analyze their effectiveness and to investigate the quality of the studies.

EVIDENCE ACQUISITION

Seven databases were searched (Medline, Scopus, CINAHL, AMED, PsychINFO, OTseeker, and the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews), including years 2005-2020, for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) investigating interventions to address cognition for adults with cancer. The final search was conducted in February 2021. The quality of studies was assessed using the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) Critical Appraisal Checklist for RCTs. Meta-analysis used comprehensive meta-analysis software. The study protocol was registered with PROSPERO (registration N. CRD42017076868).

EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS

A total of 45 studies involving 4727 participants examined interventions for CRCI and met selection criteria. Categories of interventions included cognitive training-based intervention (N.=15), cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) (N.=4), physical activity (N.=16) and other supportive therapies (N.=10). Meta-analysis indicated beneficial overall effects for all categories of interventions: cognitive training (standardized mean difference [SMD]=0.41, 95% CI: 0.28-0.53, I2=88.87%); CBT (SMD=0.30, 95% CI: 0.14-0.46, I2=44.86%); physical activity (SMD=0.27, 95% CI: 0.20-0.35, I2=37.67%); and supportive therapies (SMD=0.27, 95% CI: 0.16-0.39, I2=64.94%). Studies used self-report cognitive outcome measures and neurocognitive testing, or a mixture.

CONCLUSIONS

Findings suggest that effective intervention for CRCI exist, and cognitive training is consistently supported as an effective intervention; however, a high level of heterogeneity was found. CRCI research is currently dominated by breast cancer survivors, and quality research is also needed to address the broader population of cancer survivors who experience CRCI.

Association of Healthy Diet and Physical Activity With Breast Cancer: Lifestyle Interventions and Oncology Education

Global cancer statistics suggest that breast cancer (BC) is the most diagnosed cancer in women, with an estimated 2. 3 million new cases reported in 2020. Observational evidence shows a clear link between prevention and development of invasive BC and lifestyle-based interventions such as a healthy diet and physical activity. The recent findings reveal that even minimal amounts of daily exercise and a healthy diet reduced the risk of BC, mitigated the side effects of cancer treatment, and stopped the recurrence of cancer in the survivors. Despite the myriad benefits, the implementation of these lifestyle interventions in at-risk and survivor populations has been limited to date. Given the need to disseminate information about the role of physical activity and nutrition in BC reduction, the review aimed to present the recent scientific outreach and update on associations between the lifestyle interventions and BC outcomes to narrow the gap and strengthen the understanding more clearly. This review covers more direct, detailed, and updated scientific literature to respond to frequently asked questions related to the daily lifestyle-based interventions and their impact on BC risk and survivors. This review also highlights the importance of the oncology provider's job and how oncology education can reduce the BC burden.

Prevalence of cognitive impairment following chemotherapy treatment for breast cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Breast cancer survival rates have markedly improved. Consequently, survivorship issues have received increased attention. One common sequel of treatment is chemotherapy-induced cognitive impairment (CICI). CICI causes a range of impairments that can have a significant negative impact on quality of life. Knowledge of the prevalence of this condition is required to inform survivorship plans, and ensure adequate resource allocation and support is available for sufferers, hence a systematic review of prevalence data was performed. Medline, Scopus, CINAHL and PSYCHInfo were searched for eligible studies which included prevalence data on CICI, as ascertained though the use of self-report, or neuropsychological tests. Methodological quality of included studies was assessed. Findings were synthesised narratively, with meta-analyses being used to calculate pooled prevalence when impairment was assessed by neuropsychological tests. The review included 52 studies. Time-points considered ranged from the chemotherapy treatment period to greater than 10 years after treatment cessation. Summary prevalence figures (across time-points) using self-report, short cognitive screening tools and neuropsychological test batteries were 44%, 16% and 21-34% respectively (very low GRADE evidence). Synthesised findings demonstrate that 1 in 3 breast cancer survivors may have clinically significant cognitive impairment. Prevalence is higher when self-report based on patient experience is considered. This review highlights a number of study design issues that may have contributed to the low certainty rating of the evidence. Future studies should take a more consistent approach to the criteria used to assess impairment. Larger studies are urgently needed.

Chemotherapy-Induced Cognitive Impairment and Hippocampal Neurogenesis: A Review of Physiological Mechanisms and Interventions

A wide range of cognitive deficits, including memory loss associated with hippocampal dysfunction, have been widely reported in cancer survivors who received chemotherapy. Changes in both white matter and gray matter volume have been observed following chemotherapy treatment, with reduced volume in the medial temporal lobe thought to be due in part to reductions in hippocampal neurogenesis. Pre-clinical rodent models confirm that common chemotherapeutic agents used to treat various forms of non-CNS cancers reduce rates of hippocampal neurogenesis and impair performance on hippocampally-mediated learning and memory tasks. We review the pre-clinical rodent literature to identify how various chemotherapeutic drugs affect hippocampal neurogenesis and induce cognitive impairment. We also review factors such as physical exercise and environmental stimulation that may protect against chemotherapy-induced neurogenic suppression and hippocampal neurotoxicity. Finally, we review pharmacological interventions that target the hippocampus and are designed to prevent or reduce the cognitive and neurotoxic side effects of chemotherapy.

The Promise of Nutrient-Derived Bioactive Compounds and Dietary Components to Ameliorate Symptoms of Chemotherapy-Related Cognitive Impairment in Breast Cancer Survivors

OPINION STATEMENT

One of the most burdensome symptoms reported by breast cancer patients is chemotherapy-related neurocognitive impairment. It is estimated that of the 11 million cancer survivors in the USA, 22% of them are breast cancer patients. The National Cancer Institute classified chemotherapy-related cognitive impairment (CRCI) as one of the most debilitating sequelae of cancer therapy, limiting this patient population from recommencing their lives prior to the diagnosis of breast cancer. Currently, there are no strategies that are established to prevent, mitigate, or treat CRCI. In addition to surviving cancer, quality of life is critical to cancer survivors. Based on the multiple and complex biological and psychosocial etiology, the varying manifestation and extent of cognitive decline documented in breast cancer survivors, possibly attributed to varying combinations of chemotherapy and dose and duration of therapy, multimodal interventions combining promising nutrient-derived bioactive compounds with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, in addition to structured cognitive training and exercise regimens, can work synergistically to reduce inflammation and oxidative stress with significant improvement in cognitive function resulting in improvements in quality of life of breast cancer survivors.

Structural Neuroimaging Findings Related to Adult Non-CNS Cancer and Treatment: Review, Integration, and Implications for Treatment of Cognitive Dysfunction

Cancer- and treatment-related cognitive dysfunction (CRCD) is a common challenge faced by patients diagnosed with non-central nervous system (CNS) cancer. It has become increasingly recognized that multiple factors likely play a role in these symptoms, including the cancer disease process, systemic treatments (e.g., chemotherapy and endocrine therapies), and risk factors that may predispose an individual to both cancer and cognitive dysfunction. As the field has evolved, advanced neuroimaging techniques have been applied to better understand the neural correlates of CRCD. This review focuses on structural neuroimaging findings related to CRCD in adult non-CNS cancer populations, including examination of gray matter volume/density and white matter integrity differences between cancer patients and comparison groups, as well as emerging findings regarding structural network abnormalities. Overall, this literature has demonstrated consistent findings of reduced gray matter volume/density and white matter integrity in cancer patients relative to comparison groups. These are most prominent in individuals treated with chemotherapy, though alterations have also been noted in those treated with anti-estrogen and androgen-deprivation therapies. Alterations in gray and white matter structural network connectivity have also been identified. These structural abnormalities have been observed most prominently in frontal and temporal brain regions, and have been shown to correlate with subjective and objective cognitive function, as well as with physiological and clinical variables, helping to inform understanding of CRCD mechanisms. To date, however, structural neuroimaging techniques have not been utilized in systematic studies of potential CRCD treatments, suggesting a potentially fruitful avenue for future research.

Physical Activity in Young Adult Cancer Survivors: A Scoping Review

PROBLEM IDENTIFICATION

Physical activity, a precision health strategy, positively affects biopsychosocial health in adult cancer survivors. However, understanding its effects among young adult (YA) cancer survivors is limited. The purpose of this scoping review was to explore existing research on physical activity in YA cancer survivors.

LITERATURE SEARCH

CINAHL®, PubMed®, PsycINFO®, SPORTDiscus, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library were searched, producing 63 articles and 28 grey materials.

DATA EVALUATION

Data extraction, guided by the revised symptom management model, included research aims, sample, design, primary outcome measures, and effects of physical activity.

SYNTHESIS

Findings of 35 review articles were reported under three main categories.

IMPLICATIONS FOR RESEARCH

Lack of clinical guidelines and limited research specific to YA cancer survivors hinders physical activity's use as a symptom management strategy. Research is needed that addresses the development and clinical implementation of physical activity guidelines.

Computerized cognitive training in post-treatment hematological cancer survivors: a feasibility study

BACKGROUND

Computerized cognitive training (CCT) programs have shown some effectiveness in alleviating cognitive symptoms in long-term cancer survivors. For patients presenting with cognitive symptoms in the early post-treatment phase, the benefit of CCT is unclear. To assess the possibility of testing the effectiveness of CCT in the early post-treatment period, our aim was to investigate the feasibility of an 8-week home-based, online CCT intervention among patients who have recently completed treatment for hematological malignancy.

METHODS

This study was a single-arm, non-blinded, feasibility study. All participants were provided with the CCT intervention for an 8-week period. Feasibility was evaluated based on participant adherence and patient perceptions of the intervention, assessed through responses to an acceptability questionnaire and semi-structured interviews at the end of the intervention period.

RESULTS

The feasibility study included 19 patients who had completed treatment for hematological malignancy at a Canadian tertiary cancer center. Adherence to the CCT intervention was limited, with only one participant meeting the criteria for intervention adherence. At the end of the intervention period, participants characterized the program as easy to follow (92%) and felt well-prepared for how to complete the exercises (100%). In semi-structured interviews, participants highlighted post-treatment barriers to intervention adherence that included symptom burden and competing time demands. Participants also suggested improvements to the intervention that could help maintain adherence despite these barriers, such as fostering a sense of accountability, providing personalized feedback and coaching, and enabling opportunities for peer support.

CONCLUSIONS

Participation in CCT can be challenging in the post-treatment period for hematological cancers. Further research on the effectiveness of CCT in this setting may require the implementation of strategies that support participants' engagement with the intervention in the context of symptoms and competing demands, such as establishing a minimum dose requirement and integrating approaches to help promote and sustain motivation.

Cognitive-Enhancing, Ex Vivo Antilipid Peroxidation and Qualitative Phytochemical Evaluation of the Aqueous and Methanolic Stem Bark Extracts of Lonchocarpus eriocalyx (Harms.)

Over 50 million persons are living with cognitive deficits worldwide, with over 80% of these individuals living in the developing world. The number of affected persons is projected to go over 152 million by the year 2050. Current drugs used for cognitive impairment are debatably ineffective, costly, inaccessible, and associated with undesirable events that call for the search for alternative and complementary approaches. Plants are arguably affordable, accessible, and efficacious. However, despite the reported healing claims, scientific data validating these claims are lacking. L. eriocalyx is traditionally used for the management of various conditions, including cognitive impairment but has not been scientifically explored. In this study, the Morris Water Maze (MWM) method was used to evaluate in vivo cognitive-enhancing effects of studied extracts of L. eriocalyx. Furthermore, following MWM experiments, brains were dissected and processed, and malondialdehyde profiles were determined. Qualitative phytochemical profiles of the studied plant extracts were also determined. The results showed that mice that were treated with the studied plant extracts took significantly shorter transfer latencies, navigation distances, and significantly longer latencies in the target quadrant (NW) (p < 0.05) compared with the negative control mice, indicating cognitive-enhancing activities. Furthermore, cognitively impaired mice that received the studied plant extracts had significantly lower MDA profiles compared with the MDA profile of the negative control group mice (p < 0.05). The cognitive-enhancing and MDA profile lowering effects were attributed to the presence of antioxidant phytoconstituents that ought to have modulated the redox state, thereby attenuating brain damage. These extracts can be, therefore, used for the management of cognitive deficits. Further studies leading to isolation and characterization of active molecules for cognitive impairment are recommended. Furthermore, the precise mechanism(s) through which these extracts exert their pharmacologic activity should be established.

Late cognitive outcomes among allogeneic stem cell transplant survivors: follow-up data from a 6-year longitudinal study

CONTEXT

Survivors of allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (alloHCT) may experience cognitive impairment over time post-treatment, but early identification of these individuals is limited.

OBJECTIVES

We previously reported a prospective evaluation of cognitive functioning over the first 6 months of alloHCT. Here, we report an extension of this study, with specific aims to (1) evaluate the trajectory of cognitive outcomes over the first 6 years post-alloHCT, and (2) determine the extent to which late cognitive impairment is predicted by earlier impairment.

METHODS

Participants completed objective and subjective cognitive measures before alloHCT, and at 100 days, 6 months, and 6 years post-alloHCT. Outcome trajectories were determined using linear mixed effects models. Relationships between early and late cognitive impairment were assessed using logistic regression and receiver operator curves.

RESULTS

This analysis is based on longitudinal data from 59 participants, of whom 20 provided data at 6-year follow-up. Longitudinal models revealed an overall stability of cognitive outcomes over time, except for psychomotor efficiency/processing speed performance, which significantly improved (p = .049). However, poor learning/memory and cognitive complaints were persistently observed. At 6 years, 40% of relapse-free survivors met the impairment criteria. Impairment at 100 days was associated with impairment 6 years (OR = 20.00, p = .028) and demonstrated good accuracy in classifying those who were impaired and not impaired at 6 years (AUC = .79; 95% CI = .56-1.00).

CONCLUSION

Poor cognitive outcomes among long-term alloHCT survivors are associated with cognitive functioning during the early post-treatment period. Early identification of survivors likely to experience poor cognitive outcomes may be possible, enabling timely intervention to mitigate long-term negative impacts.

Internet-based cognitive rehabilitation for WORking Cancer survivors (i-WORC): study protocol of a randomized controlled trial

Background

Cognitive problems are common in non-central nervous system cancer survivors. These problems are perceived as an important contributor to decline in work performance and work ability. Various interventions for cognitive problems have been proposed, but effectiveness regarding work-related outcomes has not yet been established. Effective treatment options to alleviate the adverse influence of cognitive problems on work performance are needed for working cancer survivors. In this paper, we will describe the design of a randomized, controlled, multicenter trial that evaluates the (cost-)effectiveness of an Internet-based cognitive rehabilitation program for occupationally active cancer survivors confronted with cognitive problems.

Methods/ design

A three-armed randomized controlled trial will be conducted, including two intervention groups (i.e., basic and extensive cognitive rehabilitation program) and one waitlist control group. In total, 261 cancer survivors (18–65 years) who have returned to work and who experience cognitive problems will be recruited. Patients with and without cognitive impairment as established in a neuropsychological assessment will be eligible; stratification will take place based on the presence of this cognitive impairment. The extensive intervention arm will contain a comprehensive training program (including psycho-education, fatigue management, and cognitive strategy training) with individual guidance (blended intervention). The basic intervention arm will contain a brief cognitive training program (including psycho-education and fatigue management) without individual guidance. The primary outcome will be accomplishment of an individually defined work-related treatment goal. Secondary outcomes include, among others, subjective cognitive functioning, work functioning, and quality of life. Primary and secondary outcomes will be measured at baseline (T0) and at 12 weeks (T1) and 26 weeks (T2) post-randomization.

Discussion

About 40–50% of the cancer patients worldwide are of working age at time of diagnosis. Many of the occupationally active cancer survivors experience cognitive problems. Both from an individual and a societal perspective, it is important to sustain cancer survivors’ employability. An effective treatment to alleviate the impact of cognitive decline and to improve work ability might help cancer survivors to sustain employability.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03900806. Registered on 03 April 2019 (current status: ongoing).

Do Cochrane reviews reflect the latest evidence on meditation and mindfulness-based interventions? A snapshot of the current evidence

Growing evidence emphasizes the importance of meditation and mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) in clinical settings. Here, we attempted to determine the clinical issues targeted by Cochrane reviews of meditation and MBIs and whether the judgements about quality/certainty as expressed by the Cochrane authors differed from that of non-Cochrane reviews and guidelines. The search database was the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews and the search date was December 31, 2019. Screening and selection of reviews was carried out by two independent authors. Overall, 20 reviews and four protocols were selected for this study. The effects of meditation and/or MBIs on various conditions described in the Cochrane reviews seemed ambiguous, with the exception of mindfulness-based stress reduction in breast cancer patients. However, we found some international clinical practice guidelines and latest non-Cochrane reviews describing meditation and MBIs to be more comprehensive and favorable. This gap is likely due to the priority-setting issues, which resulted in a lack of latest up-to-date evidence, as well as gaps in interventions of interest between Cochrane and non-Cochrane reviews.

Cognitive function in long-term lymphoma survivors: relationship between subjective reports and objective assessments and with quality of life

Cognitive functioning plays a fundamental role in people's life and quality of life (QoL), and anti-cancer chemotherapy may provoke long-lasting cognitive problems. This study investigated the subjective perception of cognitive functioning in long-term lynfoma survivors and its associations with objectively assessed cognitive functioning and QoL. 198 long-term lynfoma survivors were administered the Cognitive Functioning Self-Assessment Scale (CFSS), the Esame Neuropsicologico Breve 2 (ENB2) and the Short Form 36 Health Survey Questionnaire (SF-36). Subjectively reported cognitive functioning was worse than the norm for the general population (p<0.001). Difficulty in recalling recent information (22%), using of periphrases or generic terms (16.7%) and tip-of-the-tongue phenomena (14.7%) were the cognitive difficulties most frequently reported. CFSS overall score correlated positively with the number of impaired performances (p<0.001) and borderline performances (p=0.014) on the ENB2. Both subjectively and objectively assessed cognitive measures correlated negatively with most assessed QoL domains, indicating that QoL is worse when cognitive functioning is poor. Subjective concerns about one's own cognitive functioning are a reality for long-term lynphoma survivors, who experience these worries more than the general population does. Since improving QoL is a priority in oncology, this study supports the use of interventions to improve cognitive functioning in cancer survivors.

The Needs and Experiences of Post-Treatment Adolescent and Young Adult Cancer Survivors

(1) Background: Adolescents and young adults (AYAs) who have been diagnosed with and treated for cancer have unique healthcare needs, but more research is needed to inform developmentally targeted cancer care for this population. The purpose of the current analyses was to describe the physical and psychosocial concerns and experiences of AYA cancer survivors during the post-treatment phase. (2) Methods: A national survey was conducted by the Canadian Partnership Against Cancer to evaluate the experiences and unmet needs of cancer survivors (≥18 years) within the first 5 years following cancer treatment. The current analyses were conducted on the AYA survivor population (18-34 years). (3) Results: A total of 575 surveys were completed by AYAs. Of these, 61% were female, 51% were married/partnered, and 52% were 1-3 years post treatment. Approximately three-quarters report their physical or emotional health as good/very good. Overall, 88% reported at least one physical concern [mean of 3.98+2.11 physical concerns (range 0-9)], 90% reported at least one emotional concern [mean of 3.77+1.75 emotional concern (range 0-6)], and 79% reported at least one practical challenge [mean of 2.39+1.28 practical concerns (range 0-5)]. The most common concerns were anxiety/worry about cancer returning (83%), fatigue/tiredness (78%), and depression/loss of interest in daily activities (66%). On average, 43% of those reporting a concern sought help. Common reasons for not seeking help included not wanting to ask, being told that it was normal to feel the way they did, or embarrassment. Of those who did seek help, 37% encountered difficulty obtaining assistance. (4) Conclusions: These results suggest that post-treatment AYA cancer survivors have a high rate and number of physical, psychosocial, and practical concerns and are often not seeking or receiving help to address these. Proactive approaches to characterizing and eliminating barriers to obtaining appropriate care are needed.

The Influence of Physical Activity and Epigenomics On Cognitive Function and Brain Health in Breast Cancer

The risk of breast cancer increases with age, with the majority of women diagnosed with breast cancer being postmenopausal. It has been estimated that 25-75% of women with breast cancer experience changes in cognitive function (CF) related to disease and treatment, which compromises psychological well-being, decision making, ability to perform daily activities, and adherence to cancer therapy. Unfortunately, the mechanisms that underlie neurocognitive changes in women with breast cancer remain poorly understood, which in turn limits the development of effective treatments and prevention strategies. Exercise has great potential as a non-pharmaceutical intervention to mitigate the decline in CF in women with breast cancer. Evidence suggests that DNA methylation, an epigenetic mechanism for gene regulation, impacts CF and brain health (BH), that exercise influences DNA methylation, and that exercise impacts CF and BH. Although investigating DNA methylation has the potential to uncover the biologic foundations for understanding neurocognitive changes within the context of breast cancer and its treatment as well as the ability to understand how exercise mitigates these changes, there is a dearth of research on this topic. The purpose of this review article is to compile the research in these areas and to recommend potential areas of opportunity for investigation.

A mindfulness-based intervention for breast cancer patients with cognitive impairment after chemotherapy: study protocol of a three-group randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND

Mindfulness has been applied to improve cancer care by enhancing psychological well-being. However, little is known about its impact on cognitive impairment experienced by cancer patients after chemotherapy. Mindfulness may be relevant in tackling cognitive impairment by decreasing emotional distress and fatigue, by decreasing inflammation, and by strengthening functional brain connectivity. The aim of the present study protocol is to evaluate the efficacy and mechanisms of a mindfulness-based intervention to reduce cognitive impairment in breast cancer patients after chemotherapy.

METHODS/DESIGN

The present study is a three-arm, parallel-group, randomized controlled trial with assessments at baseline, 1 to 3 weeks after the intervention and at 3 months' follow-up. One hundred and twenty breast cancer patients who ended treatment a minimum of 6 months and a maximum of 5 years before, and who have cognitive complaints, will be enrolled. They will be randomized into one of the following three study arms: (1) a mindfulness-based intervention group (n = 40), (2) an active control condition based on physical training (n = 40), or (3) a treatment as usual (TAU) control group (n = 40). Both the mindfulness-based intervention and the active control condition consist of four group sessions (3 h for the mindfulness condition and 2 h for the physical training) spread over 8 weeks. The primary outcomes will be cognitive symptoms as measured by the Cognitive Failure Questionnaire and changes in functional brain connectivity in the attention network. Secondary outcomes will be (1) levels of emotional distress, fatigue, mindfulness, quality of life; (2) neurocognitive tests; (3) structural and functional brain changes using MR imaging and (4) measures of inflammation.

DISCUSSION

The study will examine the impact of a mindfulness-based intervention on cognitive impairment in breast cancer patients. If the findings of this study confirm the effectiveness of a mindfulness-based program to reduce cognitive impairment, it will be possible to improve quality of life for ex-cancer patients. We will inform health care providers about the potential use of a mindfulness-based intervention as a non-pharmaceutical, low-threshold mental health intervention to improve cognitive impairment after cancer.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov, ID: NCT03736460. Retrospectively registered on 8 November 2018.

The Relationship Between Insomnia and Cognitive Impairment in Breast Cancer Survivors

Background

Cancer-related cognitive impairment is an emerging public health burden. Growing research suggests that sleep disturbances contribute to poor cognition. Our study aimed to evaluate the association between insomnia and cognitive impairment in breast cancer survivors.

Methods

We analyzed cross-sectional data from a cohort study of postmenopausal women with stage 0–III hormone receptor-positive breast cancer on aromatase inhibitor therapy. The study was conducted between November 2011 and April 2015 at an academic cancer center (Philadelphia, PA). Insomnia was assessed with the Insomnia Severity Index. Perceived cognitive impairment was assessed with the cognitive subscale of the Breast Cancer Prevention Trial Symptom Checklist. We used linear regression to evaluate the association between insomnia and perceived cognitive impairment.

Results

Among 1072 patients, 556 (51.9%) reported insomnia and 847 (79.0%) were bothered by cognitive symptoms (forgetfulness, difficulty concentrating, distractibility). Greater perceived cognitive impairment was reported by patients with mild insomnia (regression coefficient [β] = 0.35, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.23 to 0.46, P < .001), moderate insomnia (β = 0.51, 95% CI = 0.36 to 0.65, P < .001), and severe insomnia (β = 0.94, 95% CI = 0.67 to 1.21, P < .001), compared with those without insomnia. Greater perceived cognitive impairment was also associated with patients younger than 55 years (β = 0.30, 95% CI = 0.15 to 0.45, P < .001), taxane-based chemotherapy (β = 0.11, 95% CI = 0.004 to 0.22, P = .04), anxiety (β = 0.47, 95% CI = 0.30 to 0.64, P < .001), and depression (β = 0.65, 95% CI = 0.35 to 0.94, P < .001).

Conclusions

Among postmenopausal breast cancer survivors receiving aromatase inhibitor therapy, insomnia and cognitive impairment are prevalent and characterized by a graded association, in which severity of perceived cognitive impairment increases as insomnia severity increases. Our findings warrant further research to determine whether addressing sleep is a strategy to improve management of cancer-related cognitive impairment.

Low Serum Carotenoids Are Associated with Self-Reported Cognitive Dysfunction and Inflammatory Markers in Breast Cancer Survivors

Background: Dietary carotenoids may exert anti-inflammatory activities to reduce inflammation-driven cognitive impairments during cancer and cancer treatment. Our objective was to explore if cognitive function in breast cancer survivors (BCS) differs by serum carotenoid concentrations, and if blood carotenoids concentrations are associated with reduced systemic inflammation. Methods: Objective cognitive function and perceived cognitive impairment of 29 BCS and 38 controls were assessed cross-sectionally with the National Institutes of Health Toolbox Cognition Battery and The Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Cognitive Function Questionnaire, respectively. Serum carotenoid and inflammatory marker (sTNF-RII, IL-6, IL-1ra, CRP) concentrations were measured. Results: Low-carotenoid BCS had more cognitive complaints compared to the low-carotenoid controls (Mdiff = -43.0, p < 0.001) and high-carotenoid controls (Mdiff = -44.5, p < 0.001). However, the cognitive complaints of high-carotenoid BCS were intermediate to and not different than the low-carotenoid BCS, or low- or high-carotenoid controls. BCS performed similarly to controls on all objective cognitive measures. Multiple linear regression, controlling for age and body mass index (BMI), demonstrated an inverse association between serum carotenoid concentrations and pro-inflammatory sTNFR-II (β = 0.404, p = 0.005) and IL-6 concentrations (β = -0.35, p = 0.001), but not IL-1ra or CRP. Conclusions: Higher serum carotenoid concentrations may convey cognitive and anti-inflammatory benefits in BCS. Future research should identify dietary components and patterns that support cognitive health in cancer survivors.

Quality of life, problems, and needs of disease-free breast cancer survivors 5 years after diagnosis

PURPOSE

After cancer treatment, it is desirable to maintain or regain a high quality of life (QoL) and the ability to accomplish everyday tasks well. Therefore, we substantiated the scarce knowledge regarding long-term QoL after breast cancer, burdensome problems, and unmet needs for more support.

METHODS

Disease-free breast cancer survivors (n = 190) who had participated in two randomized controlled exercise trials during primary treatment were followed up to 5 years post-diagnosis. QoL-related functions and symptoms (EORTC QLQ-C30/-BR23), health problems, and support needs were assessed. EORTC-QLQ scores were compared with age-matched normative values from the general population in Germany.

RESULTS

QoL-related functions and symptoms in patients during cancer treatment were worse compared to healthy references, but largely improved over time. Yet, cognitive function and sleep were still significantly impaired at 5-year follow-up. Other common long-term problems included sexual issues (45% of survivors), hot flashes (38%), pain (34%), fatigue (24%), and polyneuropathy (21%). Regression analyses indicated fatigue having the strongest impact on global QoL. Support needs were expressed mainly for menopausal disorders (43%), physical performance (39%), sleep problems (38%), arthralgia (37%), cognitive problems (36%), weight problems (32%), and fatigue (31%).

CONCLUSIONS

While QoL in disease-free breast cancer survivors 5 years post-diagnosis was largely comparable to the general population on average, still many survivors suffered from adverse effects. There appears to be a need for ongoing screening and support regarding fatigue, sleep problems, cognitive problems, arthralgia/pain, menopausal/sexual symptoms, physical performance, and weight problems during and several years following breast cancer therapy.

Protocol for Exercise Program in Cancer and Cognition (EPICC): A randomized controlled trial of the effects of aerobic exercise on cognitive function in postmenopausal women with breast cancer receiving aromatase inhibitor therapy

The Exercise Program in Cancer and Cognition (EPICC) Study is a randomized controlled trial designed to test the effects of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise on cognitive function in postmenopausal women with early-stage breast cancer during the first six months of aromatase inhibitor therapy. It is estimated that up to 75% of survivors of breast cancer experience cognitive impairment related to disease and treatment. At present, there are no known interventions to improve or manage cognitive function for women with breast cancer. Here, we describe a single-blinded, randomized controlled trial with allocation of 254 postmenopausal women with early-stage breast cancer to a supervised six-month aerobic exercise intervention or usual care. Prior to beginning aromatase inhibitor (AI) therapy, participants complete baseline assessments of cognitive function, cardiorespiratory fitness, blood-based biomarkers, physical activity and sleep, and symptoms (fatigue, sleep problems, depressive symptoms, anxiety). A random subset of participants (n = 150) undergoes neuroimaging procedures that include structural and functional magnetic resonance imaging assessments. All participants maintain an activity diary; physical activity and sleep monitoring is repeated three and seven months post-randomization. The remaining baseline assessments are repeated seven months post-randomization. If successful, exercise could be a low-cost method to improve cognitive function in women with breast cancer that is easily adaptable to the home or community.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

Clinicaltrials.govNCT02793921. Registered 20 May 2016.

Blood-based biomarkers of cancer-related cognitive impairment in non-central nervous system cancer: protocol for a scoping review

INTRODUCTION

Cancer-related cognitive impairment (CRCI) can have detrimental effects on quality of life, even among patients with non-central nervous system (CNS) cancers. Several studies have been conducted to explore different markers associated with CRCI to understand its pathobiology. It is proposed that the underlying mechanisms of CRCI are related to a cascade of physiological adaptive events in response to cancer and/or treatment. Hence, peripheral blood would be a logical source to observe and identify these physiological events. This paper outlines the protocol for a scoping review being conducted to summarise the extant literature regarding blood-based biomarkers of CRCI among patients with non-CNS cancer.

METHODS/ANALYSIS

Methods will be informed by the updated guidelines of Arksey and O'Malley. The systematic search for literature will include electronic databases, handsearching of key journals and reference lists, forward citation tracking and consultation with content experts. Study selection will be confirmed by duplicate review and calculation of inter-rater reliability. Data to be charted will include study design, sample size, cancer and treatment characteristics, demographic characteristics, cognitive variable/s and biomarkers assessed, associations between cognitive functioning and biomarkers (including statistics used), and rigour in biomarker sample collection and processing. Results will be presented through: (1) a descriptive numerical summary of studies, including a flow diagram based on the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses statement, (2) a list of blood-based biomarkers associated with CRCI and (3) a narrative overview developed through collaboration among the research team and consultation with content experts.

DISSEMINATION

The findings of this review will highlight current directions and gaps in the current body of evidence that may lead to improved rigour in future CRCI investigations. The dissemination of this work will be facilitated through the involvement of clinicians and researchers on the research team, an external consultation process and the presentation of the results through scholarly publication and presentation.

Cognitive behavioral therapy for cancer-related cognitive dysfunction

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

To provide the reader with an overview of the cognitive-behavioral conceptualization of cancer-related cognitive dysfunction (CRCD) and how cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) can play an important role in treatment.

RECENT FINDINGS

Recent findings show that Memory and Attention Adaptation Training (MAAT), a CBT developed to help cancer survivors develop adaptive skills to improve daily cognitive performance and emotional coping, may be an efficacious treatment of CRCD and can be delivered through videoconference technology to improve survivor access to care.

SUMMARY

The etiology of CRCD remains largely undetermined and likely is produced by multiple mechanisms. This can include neuronal death, microvascular damage, inflammatory processes, and psychological factors of perceptions of inadequate cognitive capacity to meet performance demands and related emotional distress. As a result, there are a variety of treatments currently being researched. More research with larger sample sizes, multiple clinicians and multiple sites are needed to confirm efficacy, but CBT approaches such as Memory and Attention Adaptation Training that address multiple psychological factors involved may offer a flexible nonpharmacological approach to CRCD that optimizes quality of life outcomes.

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

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.

Title: Cervical cancer survivors' perceived cognitive complaints and supportive care needs in mainland China: a qualitative study

OBJECTIVES

This study explores Chinese cervical cancer survivors' perceived cognitive complaints and relevant supportive care needs after primary cancer treatment.

DESIGN

This study utilised a qualitative research design. A semi-structured interview was used to probe cervical cancer patients' perceived cognitive complaints and supportive care needs.

SETTING

This study was conducted at a secondary cancer care centre located in South China.

PARTICIPANTS

31 women with cervical cancer after primary cancer treatment, aged 18-60 years, were purposively selected using non-random sampling procedures.

RESULTS

31 cervical cancer survivors joined this study. Of these, 20 women (64.5%) reported cognitive complaints after cancer treatment. The most common complaint was loss of concentration (n=17, 85.0%). Perceived contributing factors to these cognitive complaints included chemotherapy (n=15, 75.0%) and ageing (n=8, 40.0%). These cognitive problems most commonly impacted daily living (n=20, 100%). Common supportive care needs included symptom management strategies (n=11, 55.0%) and counselling services (n=8, 40.0%).

CONCLUSION

This study adds new insight into the growing body of research on cognitive complaints by cancer survivors, in particular Chinese cervical cancer survivors. Improved understanding of cognitive complaints could subsequently facilitate the development of relevant therapeutic interventions for prevention as well as the provision of supportive care services, such as educational and counselling services, to reduce cognitive impairment in women with cervical cancer.

Meta-analysis of meditative/relaxation-based interventions for cognitive impairment in cancer patient

Objective

This meta-analysis aimed to review any form of meditative/relaxation interventions for managing cognitive impairment in cancer patients, and to examine its intervention effect.

Methods

Three databases (PubMed, PsycInfo, and CNKI) were searched until September 30, 2016. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of meditative/relaxation-based interventions for the management of cognitive impairment in cancer patients were considered for inclusion.

Results

A total of 4 RCTs were included in this meta-analysis. Four RCTs with a total of 290 subjects indicated that meditative/relaxation interventions significantly improved subjective cognitive function of cancer patients. The weighted mean difference was 5.29 (95% CI: 2.97, 7.61). The overall effect of Z score was 4.47 (P < 0.001). The meditative/relaxation-based interventions had positive effects on the physical and mental QOL (quality of life) of cancer patients. Although the improvement of physical QOL was in favor of interventions, there is no statistically significant difference (Z score = 1.81, P = 0.07). For the effects of meditative/relaxation interventions on metal QOL, there is significantly statistical difference (Z score = 2.99, P = 0.003). All included RCTs had a follow-up assessment within six months.

Conclusion

Mediation-based interventions had statistically significant difference in improve subjective cognitive function and mental QOL in cancer patients. However, since the conclusion of this meta-analysis was drawn based on limited number of RCTs, future research should be conducted to confirm its positive intervention effects.