Longitudinal Neurocognitive, Psychosocial and Health-related Quality of Life Assessment in Advanced Cancer Survivors Treated With Immunotherapy and the Efficacy of Integrative Neurocognitive Remediation Therapy

Launched by UNIVERSITAIR ZIEKENHUIS BRUSSEL · Dec 27, 2022

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is investigating the experiences and challenges faced by advanced cancer survivors who have been treated with immunotherapy, a type of cancer treatment that helps the immune system fight cancer. Researchers want to understand the emotional and mental health issues these survivors may encounter, such as stress, fatigue, and concerns about their cancer returning. The trial also aims to evaluate a new therapy called Integrative Neuro-Cognitive Remediation Therapy (INCRT), which combines computer-based cognitive exercises with group sessions focusing on mindfulness, physical activity, and psychological support. This therapy could help improve mental function and overall quality of life for participants.

To participate, individuals must be advanced cancer survivors who began immunotherapy at least a year ago and are currently cancer-free, or they must have had other types of cancer treatments and have cognitive complaints. Participants will go through interviews and questionnaires to assess their mental health and cognitive abilities. Those who show signs of cognitive difficulties may join the INCRT program, where their progress will be tracked before and after the therapy, as well as six months later. This study is open to adults aged 65 and older, and it aims to provide valuable insights into improving the well-being of cancer survivors.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• 1. Non-intervention group:
• • Provision of written informed consent
• • Diagnosed with advanced cancer of any type
• • Initiated immunotherapy (Anti-PD1, Anti-PDL1, CTLA-4, ...) at least one year ago
• • Have a confirmed normalization on whole-body 18F-FDG PET
• • English, Dutch or French-speaking
• 2. Integrative neurocognitive remediation therapy group:
• • Provision of written informed consent
• • Objective cognitive impairment and/or subjective cognitive complaints
• • Confirmed normalization on whole-body 18F-FDG PET for patients (cohort 1)
• • Disease-free (cohort 2) or no active disease for patients with CNS tumors (cohort 3)
• • Having received a cancer therapy of any kind
• • Having ended cancer treatment (immunotherapy, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, surgery, ...) with an exception of ongoing adjuvant hormone therapy
• • Dutch or French speaking
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • severe co-morbid non cancer-related psychiatric disorders such as psychosis, obsessive compulsive disorders, eating disorders etc., patients with cognitive impairment related to dementia, and patients that are physically or mentally not able to fill in the questionnaires