Training to improve thinking skills in breast cancer survivors
Official title: Pilot testing of metacognitive strategy training to address cancer-related cognitive impairment in breast cancer
Funded at University of Missouri-Columbia · NIH-10947298 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is for women who have been treated for breast cancer and are having trouble with memory and thinking; it will teach them helpful strategies to boost their everyday brain skills, like remembering things and solving problems, so they can feel more confident in their daily lives.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Missouri-Columbia NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Columbia, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2024 |
| Project end | July 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $402,401 |
| NIH project number | 1R21CA286404-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10947298 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are women who have completed treatment for breast cancer and are experiencing cognitive impairment.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are currently undergoing treatment for breast cancer or do not report cognitive difficulties may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on helping women who have been treated for breast cancer and are experiencing cognitive impairment, often referred to as cancer-related cognitive impairment (CRCI). The study will test a method called metacognitive strategy training (MCST), which teaches participants how to develop specific strategies to enhance their cognitive abilities in everyday tasks. By participating, women will learn techniques to improve their memory, planning, and problem-solving skills, which can significantly affect their daily lives. The research aims to assess both the feasibility of this training and its effects on cognitive performance and brain activity.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved cognitive function and quality of life for breast cancer survivors experiencing cognitive challenges.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using cognitive training strategies to improve cognitive function in cancer survivors, suggesting that this approach may be effective.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Missouri-Columbia
Columbia, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Boone, Anna — University of Missouri-Columbia
- Study coordinator: Boone, Anna
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Improving Neurological Health with Brain Training for Mild Cognitive Impairment (INHANCE-MCI)
A computer-based brain training program is being tested to help people with mild cognitive impairment maintain thinking skills and daily functioning.
-
Improving Breast Cancer Guideline Adherence in Nigeria
Aimed at helping doctors in Nigeria follow international guideline-based breast cancer care to improve outcomes for women with breast cancer.
-
Genomic study to understand how genetics and epigenetics shape triple-negative breast cancer in African ancestry
This study looks at how inherited genes and gene activity affect triple-negative breast cancer in people of African ancestry to better understand why outcomes can be worse.
-
Translational breast cancer research to improve treatment options
A comprehensive program at Baylor College of Medicine is focusing on breast cancer; researchers will advance targeted therapies and biomarkers to help patients with aggressive or hard-to-treat forms.
-
Cancer Pain Management for Asian American Breast Cancer Survivors with Depressive Symptoms
A technology-based program helps Asian American breast cancer survivors with depressive symptoms manage chronic pain more effectively from home using a web app and mobile tools.
-
Co-Targeting IL-6 and CDK4/6 to Prevent TNBC in Women Veterans
A study aims to block two cancer-promoting pathways (IL-6 and CDK4/6) to prevent or reduce progression of triple-negative breast cancer in women veterans.
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.