CanCOG®: Pilot Trial of Cognitive Rehabilitation for Cancer Survivors

Cancer-related cognitive impairment (CRCI) affects a large proportion of non-central nervous system cancer survivors and can negatively impact cognitive functioning and daily life. Cognitive rehabilitation has shown promising results in addressing these difficulties. The goal of this pilot randomized controlled trial is to evaluate the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary efficacy of the CanCOG®- Cognitive Rehabilitation in Cancer program in Portuguese adult cancer survivors with CRCI. Adult non-central nervous system cancer survivors (n=60) will be randomly assigned to receive either the CanCOG® intervention or treatment as usual. CanCOG® is a structured cognitive rehabilitation program designed to help cancer survivors manage cognitive difficulties through cognitive training exercises, psychoeducation, and compensatory strategy training. The program consists of six weekly sessions of 1 hour and 30 minutes each, delivered over six consecutive weeks. Sessions are administered in person in small groups (3-9 participants) and are led by a trained professional. The main focus of the study is to assess feasibility outcomes, including recruitment, retention, adherence to the intervention, and completion of study assessments, as well as acceptability and participant satisfaction. The study will also explore preliminary effects of the intervention on cognitive functioning (both perceived and objective), symptoms of anxiety and depression, and quality of life. Participants will complete assessments at baseline (2 weeks after the intervention), 2 weeks after the intervention, and at 3- and 6-month follow-ups. Some participants (10-15) will also take part in interviews to provide feedback on their experience with the program.

Sex

All

Minimum age

18 Years

Maximum age

65 Years

Inclusion Criteria:

* Adults aged 18 to 65 years whose native language is European Portuguese;
* Diagnosis of cancer not involving the central nervous system (non-CNS cancer);
* Disease stage I to III;
* Completion of primary cancer treatment at least 6 months and no more than 5 years prior to enrollment (with the exception of ongoing hormone therapy and immunotherapy);
* Score \< 51 on the Perceived Cognitive Abilities subscale of the FACT-Cog v3. Stable psychiatric and neurological medication regimen for at least 3 months prior to enrollment;
* Educational level equal to or higher than the 3rd year of primary education;
* Ability to read and write in Portuguese and provide informed consent to participate.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Diagnosis of current severe psychiatric disorders (e.g., schizophrenia, psychosis, bipolar disorder, major depressive disorder, or attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder);
* Diagnosis of communication disorders;
* Diagnosis of neurodevelopmental disorders or other severe medical conditions (e.g., history of stroke, encephalitis, dementia or neurodegenerative disease, epilepsy, or traumatic brain injury);
* Presence of metastases or other tumors;
* History of substance abuse (alcohol or drugs);
* Current or prior participation in another cognitive rehabilitation intervention.

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