Home-based self-management and cognitive training for brain tumor survivors
HOBSCOTCH-CA (HOme-Based Self-management and COgnitive Training CHanges Lives in Brain CAncer)
This trial will try a home-based cognitive coaching program to see if it improves thinking and quality of life for adults who survived non-glioblastoma brain tumors, with optional caregiver participation.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 125 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center Academic / other |
| Drugs / interventions | chemotherapy, radiation |
| Locations | 1 site (Lebanon, New Hampshire) |
| Trial ID | NCT06930846 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
Participants who are survivors of non-glioblastoma brain cancer or tumors (service members, veterans, and civilians) will be referred by their oncology providers and enrolled at Dartmouth-Hitchcock. CA participants are randomized to receive the HOBSCOTCH-CA program immediately or after a 3-month waitlist, and the study lasts about six months in total. The intervention consists of a pre-program session plus eight weekly 45–60 minute one-on-one virtual sessions with a certified cognitive coach, with optional caregiver involvement to target caregiver burden and knowledge. Outcomes include participant quality of life, self-reported cognition, symptom measures, and caregiver burden and quality of life.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Adults (18+) who are service members, veterans, or civilians with a primary brain tumor and expected survival of two years or more (excluding glioblastoma) who can participate in virtual coaching sessions are ideal candidates.
Not a fit: People with glioblastoma, those with expected survival under two years, or patients unable to take part in weekly virtual coaching or follow study procedures are unlikely to benefit from this intervention.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the program could improve everyday thinking, reduce symptoms that interfere with daily life, and raise quality of life for brain tumor survivors and their caregivers.
How similar studies have performed: Similar HOBSCOTCH-style cognitive rehabilitation and self-management programs have shown benefits in other neurological populations, but adapting HOBSCOTCH specifically for brain tumor survivors is a newer application.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
CA Participants will be referred to the study by their providers (Oncologist) who will be made aware of the study and inclusion/exclusion criteria. Inclusion Criteria 2. - 5. and Exclusion Criteria 1. - 3. will be confirmed by referring providers. Participants who learn about the study here and elsewhere will be instructed on how to confirm their eligibility with their provider. Inclusion Criteria for CA Participant: 1. 18 + years 2. Service members, Veterans and civilians with a diagnosis of brain cancer (excluding glioblastoma) 3. Diagnosis of primary brain tumor with expected survival of 2 years or greater (e.g., low-grade glioma, oligodendroglioma, IDH mutant astrocytoma, meningioma) defined as the presence of a primary lesion on neuroimaging (CT or MRI), confirmed by histopathological examination (Note: some patients being treated for meningioma may be treated with radiotherapy without need for initial histopathologic confirmation) 4. Patients undergoing surgical and/or radiation therapy will have completed their treatment at least 3 months prior to being enrolled in trial (Note: patients receiving chemotherapy or other systemic therapy will be included) 5. Stable on all CNS acting medications for one month prior to enrollment 6. Subjective cognitive complaints 7. Literate and proficient in English 8. Internet access for the pre-session and Session 1 of the HOBSCOTCH-CA program; telephone access for sessions 2-8 Exclusion Criteria for CA Participant: 1. Presence of a neurodegenerative disease (e.g., Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease) 2. Acute psychiatric disorder or substance abuse 3. Patients with glioblastoma (GBM) Inclusion Criteria for CA Participant Caregiver: 1. Age 18 + 2. Caregiver to a patient with a confirmed diagnosis of brain cancer/tumor survivor 3. CA Subject has given permission for their caregiver to participate 4. Literate and proficient in English 5. Internet access (for Pre-HOBSCOTCH and Session 1) 6. Telephone access (for Session 8) Exclusion Criteria for CA Participant Caregiver: 1. Significant visual impairment precluding reading or writing 2. No reliable telephone or internet access
Where this trial is running
Lebanon, New Hampshire
- Dartmouth-Health Lebanon — Lebanon, New Hampshire, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Elaine T Kiriakopoulos, MD, MPH, MSc — Dartmouth-Health/Dartmouth-Hitchcock, Dartmouth College
- Study coordinator: Sarah J. Kaden, BA
- Email: sarah.j.kaden@hitchcock.org
- Phone: 603-650-4225
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.