Cognitive training and brain stimulation for women with cognitive issues after breast cancer treatment
Official title: Neuromodulation Through Brain Stimulation-assisted Cognitive Training in Patients With Post-chemotherapy Cognitive Impairment
Run by University Medicine Greifswald · NCT04817566 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing if a combination of brain stimulation and cognitive training can help women who have memory problems after breast cancer treatment feel better and think more clearly.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years to 65 Years |
| Sex | Women only |
| Enrollment | 52 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | University Medicine Greifswald Academic / other |
| Drugs / interventions | Chemotherapy |
| Locations | 1 site (Greifswald) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | November 2, 2021 |
| Main results expected | June 2026 |
| Study ends | June 2026 |
| Registry record updated | April 4, 2025 |
| Trial ID | NCT04817566 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates are women aged 18-65 who are at least six months post-chemotherapy for breast cancer and have self-reported cognitive concerns.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with a history of dementia, severe neurological disorders, or contraindications to tDCS may not benefit from this study.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This study investigates the effects of high-definition transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) combined with intensive cognitive training on women experiencing cognitive impairment after chemotherapy for breast cancer. Participants will undergo a three-week program that includes cognitive training sessions alongside tDCS application, with a control group receiving sham stimulation for comparison. The study aims to assess improvements in cognitive performance, quality of life, and sleep data before, during, and after the intervention, with follow-up assessments planned to evaluate long-term effects. The findings could provide insights into the efficacy of this combined approach for enhancing cognitive function in affected individuals.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly improve cognitive function and quality of life for women suffering from post-chemotherapy cognitive impairment.
How similar studies have gone: Preliminary studies have shown positive effects of cognitive training, but combining it with tDCS is a novel approach that has not been extensively tested.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: 1. Chemotherapy to treat breast cancer (≥ 6 months post-treatment). 2. Self-reported concerns regarding cognitive functioning. 3. Age: 18-65 years. 4. right-handedness Exclusion Criteria: 1. History of dementia before treatment of cancer. 2. Other neurodegenerative neurological disorders; epilepsy or history of seizures. 3. Severe and untreated medical conditions that preclude participation in the training, as determined by responsible physician. 4. History of moderate to severe substance use disorder according to DSM-5 5. Moderate to severe acute psychiatric disorders according to DSM-5 6. Contraindication to tDCS application (Antal et al., 2017)
Where it's running
-
University Medicine Greifswald
Greifswald, Germany Recruiting
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Agnes Flöel, Prof.
- Email: agnes.floeel@med.uni-greifswald.de
- Phone: 0049 3834 86 6815
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.