title: Web-based cognitive training for breast cancer survivors with cognitive complaints-a randomized controlled trial.
abstract: 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, executive function, working memory and questionnaire-based assessment of anxiety, depression and somatization.
  
  
  
  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.
  
  
  
  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.
  
  
  
  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.
authors.affiliation: Unit for Psychooncology and Health Psychology, Department of Oncology, Aarhus University Hospital and Department of Psychology and Behavioural Science, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark. malenefd@psy.au.dk.
authors.forename: M F
authors.initials: MF
authors.lastname: Damholdt
authors.affiliation: Unit for Psychooncology and Health Psychology, Department of Oncology, Aarhus University Hospital and Department of Psychology and Behavioural Science, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark.
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Mehlsen
authors.affiliation: Unit for Psychooncology and Health Psychology, Department of Oncology, Aarhus University Hospital and Department of Psychology and Behavioural Science, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark.
authors.forename: M S
authors.initials: MS
authors.lastname: O'Toole
authors.affiliation: Unit for Psychooncology and Health Psychology, Department of Oncology, Aarhus University Hospital and Department of Psychology and Behavioural Science, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark.
authors.forename: R K
authors.initials: RK
authors.lastname: Andreasen
authors.affiliation: Stouby, Denmark.
authors.forename: A D
authors.initials: AD
authors.lastname: Pedersen
authors.affiliation: Unit for Psychooncology and Health Psychology, Department of Oncology, Aarhus University Hospital and Department of Psychology and Behavioural Science, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark.
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Zachariae
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001007:Anxiety / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy*; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000523:psychology* / Q000628:therapy; D000073116:Cancer Survivors / Q000523:psychology*; D003863:Depression / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy*; D056344:Executive Function; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D020407:Internet; D008570:Memory, Short-Term; D008875:Middle Aged; D009483:Neuropsychological Tests; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires
keywords: breast cancer survivors; cancer; chemo brain; oncology; web-based cognitive training