https://pittplusme.org/study/1932
Telehealth and Memory Study
STUDY BASICS
Are you a breast cancer survivor who completed chemotherapy one to five years ago? Do you have problems with your memory, concentration, and/or attention? You may be able to participate in a research study to test two treatments that may help breast cancer survivors improve cognitive function. This study involves 8 weeks of therapy completed online or by mobile phone, and optional MRI scanning.
STUDY PURPOSE
Many people who received past chemotherapy for breast cancer report ongoing problems with thinking, memory, and the ability to pay attention, but researchers do not fully understand the best way to treat these issues. The purpose of this study is to compare two types of behavioral treatments to find out if one is more effective than the other for improving memory and attention problems in breast cancer survivors. Researchers hope their findings lead to better ways to help cancer survivors with memory and attention problems in the future.
COULD THIS STUDY BE RIGHT FOR YOU?
- Age 18 and up
- Breast cancer survivor
- Completed chemotherapy at least one year ago, but not more than five years ago
- Experience persistent memory, concentration, or attention problems
WHAT PARTICIPANTS CAN EXPECT
This study involves 8 at-home, once-per-week sessions online or by mobile phone. Each session lasts 45 minutes. Participants will be randomly assigned to a brief behavioral skills program or a supportive coping therapy approach. Brief tests of memory and attention will be conducted by phone before and after going through the program with one follow-up phone assessment 6 months later. Participants may choose to undergo optional brain imaging with functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) before treatment and after treatment.
IRB: STUDY20110394
- sIRB: Mobile Device CBT for Chemotherapy-Related Cognitive Dysfunction: A Multi-Center Randomized Controlled Trial
MEET THE RESEARCHER
Robert Ferguson
Robert J Ferguson, PhD, is a clinical psychologist and Assistant Professor of Medicine with the Division of Hematology/Oncology at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine and UPMC Hillman Cancer Center. Dr. Ferguson’s clinical and research interests include the treatment of cognitive effects of cancer, cancer survivorship and palliative care. He is the lead author of “Memory and Attention Adaptation Training: A Brief Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Cancer Survivors.” He has also authored numerous peer reviewed research articles and book chapters on treatment of cancer-related cognitive impairment and other topics related to the field of behavioral medicine. His research has been funded by grants from the National Cancer Institute, NIH Office of Research on Women's Health, and private foundations.
MEET THE COORDINATOR
Vanessa Slotterback
Vanessa Slotterback, MA, is the new clinical research coordinator for the Telehealth and Memory Study (TAMS) through the University of Pittsburgh at the UPMC Hillman Cancer Center. Her clinical and research interests center around counseling efforts to improve cognition and memory capabilities through creative means or specific therapies. She has clinical experience as a counselor and brings this warmth and responsiveness to her role in the study. Vanessa is enthusiastic to be a part of the TAMS team and looks forward to talking with participants. Outside of work, she enjoys reading, spending time with loved ones, making art, and doing mud runs!