Title |
Feasibility and acceptability of a remotely administered computerized intervention to address cognitive late effects among childhood cancer survivors
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Published in |
Neuro-Oncology Practice, March 2015
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DOI | 10.1093/nop/npu036 |
Pubmed ID | |
Authors |
Lauren E. Cox, Jason M. Ashford, Kellie N. Clark, Karen Martin-Elbahesh, Kristina K. Hardy, Thomas E. Merchant, Robert J. Ogg, Sima Jeha, Victoria W. Willard, Lu Huang, Hui Zhang, Heather M. Conklin |
Abstract |
Childhood cancer survivors frequently develop working memory (WM) deficits as a result of disease and treatment. Medication-based and therapist-delivered interventions are promising but have limitations. Computerized interventions completed at home may be more appealing for survivors. We evaluated the feasibility and acceptability of a remotely administered, computerized WM intervention (Cogmed) for pediatric cancer survivors using a single-blind, randomized, wait-list control design. Of 80 qualifying patients, 12 were excluded or declined to participate. Participants randomized to intervention (n = 34/68) included survivors of childhood brain tumors (32%) or acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL; 68%) between the ages of 8 and 16 years ([Formula: see text] = 12.2) who were at least 1 year post therapy ([Formula: see text] = 5.0). The majority of brain tumor participants were treated with cranial radiation therapy (72.7%), whereas most of the ALL participants were treated with chemotherapy only (87%). Participants completed 25 WM training sessions over 5-9 weeks at home with weekly phone-based coaching. Participants lived in 16 states. Compliance was strong, with 30 of the 34 participants (88%) completing intervention. Almost all participants completed pre- and postintervention neuroimaging exams (91% and 93%, respectively). Families had the necessary skills to utilize the computer program successfully. Caregivers reported they were generally able to find time to complete training (63%), viewed training as beneficial (70%), and would recommend this intervention to others (93%). Cogmed is a feasible and acceptable intervention for childhood cancer survivors. It is a viable option for survivors who do not live in close proximity to cancer care centers. Efficacy and neural correlates of change are currently being evaluated. |
X Demographics
Geographical breakdown
Country | Count | As % |
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United Kingdom | 1 | 33% |
Unknown | 2 | 67% |
Demographic breakdown
Type | Count | As % |
---|---|---|
Members of the public | 2 | 67% |
Science communicators (journalists, bloggers, editors) | 1 | 33% |
Mendeley readers
Geographical breakdown
Country | Count | As % |
---|---|---|
Netherlands | 1 | <1% |
Unknown | 118 | 99% |
Demographic breakdown
Readers by professional status | Count | As % |
---|---|---|
Student > Ph. D. Student | 22 | 18% |
Student > Master | 20 | 17% |
Researcher | 10 | 8% |
Student > Bachelor | 10 | 8% |
Student > Doctoral Student | 7 | 6% |
Other | 14 | 12% |
Unknown | 36 | 30% |
Readers by discipline | Count | As % |
---|---|---|
Psychology | 30 | 25% |
Medicine and Dentistry | 16 | 13% |
Neuroscience | 13 | 11% |
Nursing and Health Professions | 12 | 10% |
Social Sciences | 3 | 3% |
Other | 8 | 7% |
Unknown | 37 | 31% |