Right now, seven Salem Health Cancer Center patients are enrolled in a clinical trial through NRG Oncology to determine if computerized cognitive training can improve concentration in breast cancer survivors.

Cheryl LaBronte, RN, is a clinical research nurse with Salem Health who is getting the word out to other patients who may be interested in this training that can be done at home.

LaBronte said patients can expect brain challenges that are spread out during the week. The games are exercises to improve attention, memory and concentration. This can include activities such as word matching and sudoku.

“You have to track what’s happening on the computer and click on certain areas to identify what they’re asking you to remember,” LaBronte said.

Who can participate

The trial is open nationwide to breast cancer survivors over the age of 18 with first time, non-metastatic diagnoses who are at least six months, and no more than five years, post-treatment. Nationwide, NRG is looking for just under 400 participants.

The study opened nationally in February, and Salem Health started enrolling patients in July.

LaBronte said concentration is a common concern among breast cancer patients.

“We hear complaints after being diagnosed — and especially after treatment — such as, ‘I have brain fog, I can’t do anything I used to do before,’” she said.

The clinical research nurse said it was a challenge to address these complaints in the past.

“It was never really looked at as an actual side effect and a quality-of-life measure that needed to be addressed,” LaBronte said. “In the last decade, there’s been more research and evidence-based information that we actually can do something about this.”

LaBronte said more studies and research need to be done to show that re-training your brain could potentially reverse challenges with impaired cognitive function.

Improving outcomes in breast cancer patients

“It’s important to have this kind of study so we can find a solution and people can reclaim the cognitive status they had prior to treatment. It does have a huge impact on their quality of life, sometimes their ability to work,” LaBronte said.

The nurse said many patients who are diagnosed with breast cancer are not retired, and they struggle with the ability to think clearly. Pilot studies show weekly brain games can help. LaBronte is excited for the current clinical trial. Since it has a larger test group than previous studies, the evidence could really make an impact on patient outcomes.

“Hopefully they do prove this and then this will be presented not just for breast cancer patients but patients with any kind of cancer diagnosis,” LaBronte said.

How to enroll

There is a baseline assessment before a patient enrolls in training. Then, there are three additional tests to evaluate the training. Overall, it is a nine-month process.

Interested in learning more? Patients can talk to their oncologist or Salem Health nurse navigators for a referral, or they can call the Salem Health Research department in the Salem Health Cancer Center directly at 503-814-1438.