Computerized Intervention for Amelioration of Cognitive Late Effects Among Childhood Cancer Survivors

Summary

Children treated for a brain tumor (BT) or acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) show elevated rates of working memory impairment. Working memory (WM) is the ability to hold and manipulate information online; for example, when an individual mentally rehearses a phone number in order to dial it without writing it down. A computer-based working memory intervention has been successful in children diagnosed with ADHD and stroke survivors. Individuals participating in the intervention showed improvements on working memory measures as well as more complex problem solving skills. Neuroimaging (brain scans) conducted before and after training showed changes in brain activation suggestive of underlying changes in brain systems that support working memory. This study investigates the effectiveness of this computer-based working memory intervention for childhood cancer survivors.

Conditions

• Brain Tumor
• Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia

Interventions

BEHAVIORAL

Computerized working memory training program (intervention)

A computer-based training program will be completed in the home. This program requires approximately 30 minutes every weekday for five weeks. The program software guides the child through eight rotating exercises each day, with increasing difficulty based on the child's level of performance. Exercises train both visuospatial and verbal WM using child-friendly activities. A research team member will serve as a coach who monitors weekly progress online and offers support through weekly phone calls with the study participants and their caregivers). Intervention participants will also partake in neuroimaging exams before and after the intervention

BEHAVIORAL

Computerized working memory training program (control)

Participants randomized to the control group will not complete any intervention during the intervention time period and will not partake in neuroimaging exams. They will complete an immediate and six month post follow-up cognitive assessment. Following completion of these assessments, they will be provided the opportunity to complete the computer-based training program off study.

Sponsors & Collaborators

• American Cancer Society, Inc.

  collaborator OTHER

• St. Jude Children's Research Hospital

  lead OTHER

Principal Investigators

• Heather M Conklin, Ph.D · St. Jude Children's Research Hospital

Study Design

Allocation

RANDOMIZED

Purpose

TREATMENT

Masking

SINGLE

Model

PARALLEL

Eligibility

Min Age

8 Years

Max Age

16 Years

Sex

ALL

Healthy Volunteers

No

Timeline & Regulatory

Start

2010-10-31

Primary Completion

2013-02-28

Completion

2013-11-30

Countries

• United States

Study Locations