Wu, L.M., Amidi, A., Tanenbaum, M.L., Winkel, G., Gordon, W.A., Hall, S.J., . . . Diefenbach, M.A. (2018). Computerized cognitive training in prostate cancer patients on androgen deprivation therapy: A pilot study. Supportive Care in Cancer, 26, 1917–1926.
The purpose of this pilot study is to examine the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary efficacy of a home-based computerized cognitive training program compared to usual care in patients with breast cancer on androgen deprivation therapy (ADT).
BrainHQ, one hour per day, five days per week for eight weeks or 40 hours total
PHASE OF CARE: Late effects and survivorship
This was a two-group pilot study which randomized patients with prostate cancer who had been on ADT three months or longer to BrainHQ or usual care. Patents were screened and outcomes assessed at three time points: baseline (T1), immediately after 8 week intervention (T2), and 8 weeks later (T3). Participants were asked to complete 40 hours of training over 8 weeks.
87 of 174 (50%) were screened and consented. 73 completed baseline and 60 met randomization criteria. Retention was 72.5% for intervention and 100% in usual care at T2 and 72.5% and 100% in usual care at T3.
Overall, 50% randomized; however, less than 70% completed the study (10 hours or greater total of the intervention, results were greater than 70% if non-completers of the intervention were included. Participants were mostly satisfied with training (2.97, SD = 0.53 on scale of 1-4 with 4 being most positive). Most common barriers to training included difficulty finding time to train (n = 16, 52%), tiredness (39%), health problems (35%), boredom (32%), and distraction (16%). Preliminary efficacy of training was mixed: improvement noted in reaction time (p = 0.01); however, was unfavorable on verbal and visual memory. Memory was temporarily suppressed in the training group at T2 but normalized at T3. No effect of training noted on self-reported cognitive functioning, neurobehavioral functioning, nor quality of life.
This study presented tentative support for the feasibility and acceptability of BrainHQ in prostate cancer patients. Preliminary efficacy of BrainHQ was mixed with improvement in reaction times but more research is needed to fully understand efficacy of cognitive training.
Cognitive training using BrainHQ may be feasible and mostly satisfying intervention for prostate cancer survivors. Additional studies are needed to determine efficacy.