An Intervention Programme to Reduce Cognitive Impairment Due to Cancer
Breast Neoplasms, Colorectal Neoplasms
About this trial
This is an interventional supportive care trial for Breast Neoplasms focused on measuring Feasibility study, Cognition, Chemotherapy, Neoplasms
Eligibility Criteria
Inclusion Criteria:
- Aged >18 years
- Have a diagnosis of early stage breast or colorectal cancer (Stage I-III disease)
- Are planned to receive standard care adjuvant chemotherapy.
- Able to complete Neuropsychological test assessment pre- and post- chemotherapy receipt.
- Proficiency in the English language
- Able to provide informed consent
- Patients with breast cancer can be receiving standard care hormonal therapy or radiotherapy
Exclusion Criteria:
- Treatment plan does not include chemotherapy.
- Diagnosed with metastatic cancer
- Treatment plan includes cranial radiation, brain surgery or intrathecal therapy.
- History of previous cancer, as previous treatment or experience may contribute to cognitive impairments (with the exception of non-melanoma skin cancer).
- History of cranial radiation, brain surgery or intrathecal therapy due to the direct impact on the brain.
- History of, or, comorbid condition which may alter cognitive function tests i.e. stroke, head injury, epilepsy, Parkinson's disease, Huntington's disease, Alzheimer's disease, encephalitis, substance abuse, bipolar disorder, psychosis, schizophrenia and learning disability.
- Current use of psycho-stimulant medication e.g. Methylphenidate which increases activity in the central nervous system, or central nervous system (CNS) depressant medication e.g. Benzodiazepines and Barbiturates due to slowing down of cognitive processes. Use of commonly prescribed anti-depressants e.g. Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs), Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) or Serotonin Noradrenaline Reuptake Inhibitors (SNRIs) or Tricyclic Antidepressants (TCAs) is permitted.
- Have a Mini-Mental Status Examination score ≤23 indicative of substantial cognitive impairment including dementia.
- Current uncontrolled mood disorder e.g. Major depression.
Sites / Locations
- Cancer Centre, City Hospital, Belfast HSC Trust
Arms of the Study
Arm 1
Experimental
Countering cognitive impairment
Each participant will complete neuropsychological assessments at baseline (prior to chemotherapy) and after chemotherapy. Patients identified as experiencing cognitive decline measured using Reliable Change Index on at least one cognitive function measure from before until after chemotherapy will be offered the intervention. Participants in the interventions will complete a neuropsychological assessment after completion of the intervention. Questionnaires to assess other non-cognitive factors e.g. quality-of-life will be administered at the end of chemotherapy to all participants and after the intervention to participants in the intervention.