Improving Cognition and Behavior in Pediatric Cancer Survivors Using a Novel Mindful Attention Training

a study on Cancer, General Attention Training

Summary

Eligibility
for people ages 7-17 (full criteria)
Location
at San Francisco, California
Dates
study started
estimated completion
Principal Investigator
by Courtney L Gallen, Ph.D.

Description

Summary

This pilot study will evaluate the cognitive and behavioral outcomes of using a novel, adaptive attention training in pediatric cancer survivors.

Official Title

A Pilot Study of Assessing and Improving Cognition and Real-World Behavior in Pediatric Cancer Survivors

Details

Pediatric cancer survivors (PCS) often experience attentional difficulties that have downstream effects on their quality of life, academic achievement, and future occupational attainment. As such, the primary goal of this project is to examine the outcomes of a novel, mindful attention training in this population and assess the feasibility of recruitment, retention, and adherence. Specifically, PCS will be randomly assigned to one of two adaptive attention training groups ('Engage') and complete tasks on the device for up to 8 weeks. Participants will also complete pre- and post-training assessments of cognition and behavior.

An additional cohort of no-contact participants will be asked to complete the assessments at baseline and end of study only to assess the feasibility and reliability of the assessment measures. This cohort will be enrolled separately and not randomized.

The investigators hypothesize that completion of 'Engage' training for the randomized cohorts will result in enhanced attentional control beyond the active comparator group that extends to other aspects of cognition in PCS.

Keywords

Pediatric Cancer, Pediatric Cancer Survivor, Attention, Cognitive Control, Adaptive Attention Training

Eligibility

You can join if…

Open to people ages 7-17

  1. Age 7-17 at the time of enrollment.
  2. Able to understand study procedures and to comply with them for the entire length of the study.
  3. Ability of individual and legal guardian/representative to understand a written informed consent document, and the willingness to sign it.
  4. Normal or corrected-normal vision and hearing.
  5. English language fluency (minor participant and parent/guardian).
  6. Received radiation therapy to the brain or neck between age 7-17.
  7. Patients not on current cancer-related treatment (except supportive care) or those on other current treatments that would not hinder study participation. Patients currently on cancer-related treatments will be discussed with the study team (co-PI Mueller).

You CAN'T join if...

  1. Contraindication to any study-related procedure or assessment.
  2. Motor/perceptual difficulties that prevent computer or tablet use.
  3. Current cancer-related treatments that would impact the ability to participate in the study (e.g., current inpatient chemotherapy or intrathecal chemotherapy). Patients on other current treatments will be discussed with the study team (co-PI, Dr. Mueller)

Location

  • Univeristy of California, San Francisco accepting new patients
    San Francisco California 94143 United States

Lead Scientist at UCSF

  • Courtney L Gallen, Ph.D.
    Assistant Researcher, Neurology, School of Medicine. Authored (or co-authored) 19 research publications

Details

Status
accepting new patients
Start Date
Completion Date
(estimated)
Sponsor
University of California, San Francisco
ID
NCT05000905
Study Type
Interventional
Participants
Expecting 70 study participants
Last Updated
Contact us about this trial