Computer-based brain training for thinking and memory problems after breast cancer
Official title: Cognitive Training for Cancer-related Cognitive Impairment: A Multi-Center Randomized Controlled Trial
Funded at Ohio State University · NIH-11263729 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This project compares a computerized brain-training program to engaging attention games to help breast cancer survivors who are having thinking and memory problems.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Ohio State University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Columbus, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | February 15, 2023 |
| Project end | January 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $537,398 |
| NIH project number | 5R01CA276222-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11263729 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates are breast cancer survivors who have finished primary treatment and are experiencing ongoing problems with thinking, memory, attention, or productivity.
✕Less likely to help
People without cognitive complaints, those currently undergoing certain active cancer treatments, or individuals with major neurological disorders unrelated to cancer may not be helped by this intervention.
What this research studies
If you join, you would be randomly assigned to do either a structured computerized brain-training program (BrainHQ) or an active attention-control set of games like Sudoku and word puzzles, and neither you nor the study team evaluating outcomes will know which you received. The sessions are delivered on a computer and participants complete training over a set period while researchers measure thinking, memory, work ability, and quality of life. The trial is double-masked, multi-center, and larger than prior pilot studies to provide more reliable results with longer follow-up. The goal is to see whether the brain-training leads to meaningful improvements compared with attention-based activities.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could improve memory, attention, work ability, and overall quality of life for breast cancer survivors with cognitive complaints.
How similar studies have gone: Small pilot studies, including the investigators' own work, have shown promising signals but larger, well-controlled trials like this are needed to confirm benefit.
Where this research is happening
-
Ohio State University
Columbus, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Von Ah, Diane Marie — Ohio State University
- Study coordinator: Von Ah, Diane Marie
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.