# Cognitive Training for Cancer-related Cognitive Impairment: A Multi-Center Randomized Controlled Trial

> **NIH NIH R01** · OHIO STATE UNIVERSITY · 2024 · $507,667

## Abstract

PROJECT SUMMARY/ABSTRACT
The goal of this project is to determine the efficacy of computerized cognitive training for breast cancer
survivors (BCS) suffering from cancer-related cognitive impairment (CRCI). For millions of cancer survivors,
CRCI is a prevalent, severe, and persistent problem that negatively impacts work outcomes (work ability and
productivity), health perception, and health-related quality of life. Evidence suggests that up to 75% of the more
than 3.8 million BCS in the U.S. will experience cognitive changes that may persist for years after treatment
ends. Unfortunately, the scientific basis for managing these cognitive changes in cancer survivors is extremely
limited. Available evidence from pilot studies, including our own work, suggests that computerized cognitive
training, which is based on the principles of neuroplasticity (ability of brain neurons to re-organize and form
new neural networks), may be a viable treatment option. However, previous trials to date have been limited by
lack of attention-controlled designs, small samples, and limited follow-up. Therefore, to overcome limitations of
past studies and build on our pilot results, the purpose of this 2-group, double-masked, randomized controlled
trial is to conduct the first full-scale efficacy trial to compare computerized cognitive training (BrainHQ) to
computerized active attention control (Sudoku, crossword, word find, etc.) in BCS. Specific aims are to: (1)
test the efficacy of computerized cognitive training on improving perceived cognitive function immediately post-
intervention and over time, compared to active attention control; (2) test the efficacy of computerized cognitive
training on cognitive performance over time compared to attention control; and (3) explore transfer effects on
real-world, everyday outcomes including work-related outcomes and health-related quality of life over time
compared to active attention control. This proposal has been peer-reviewed and endorsed by the NRG
Oncology Research Base of the NCI Community Oncology Research Program (NCI NCORP) and the
NCI Division of Cancer Prevention has approved NRG Oncology to conduct the trial at their affiliated
sites. A total of 386 eligible BCS will be identified and consented through the NCI NCORP and NCI National
Clinical Trials Network (NCTN) sites, composed of over 2,000 participating locations including community and
minority clinical oncology sites. Outcomes will be collected at four time points: baseline, prior to intervention
(T1), immediately post-intervention (T2), 3 months (T3), and 6 months (T4) post-intervention. Data will be
analyzed using linear mixed models for repeated measures. The current proposal responds directly to the NCI
Notice of Special Interest to test interventions designed to address the adverse aging-related effects of cancer
and cancer treatments, builds on our previous pilot studies while also making methodological improvements,
and leverages access to all NCORP sit...

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10788312
- **Project number:** 5R01CA276222-02
- **Recipient organization:** OHIO STATE UNIVERSITY
- **Principal Investigator:** PATRICIA A. GANZ
- **Activity code:** R01 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2024
- **Award amount:** $507,667
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2023-02-15 → 2028-01-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10788312

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10788312, Cognitive Training for Cancer-related Cognitive Impairment: A Multi-Center Randomized Controlled Trial (5R01CA276222-02). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-06-12 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10788312. Licensed CC0.

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