CompletedNot Applicable

Evaluation of Cognitive Education Activities in Breast Cancer Patients Receiving Chemotherapy

Turkey (Türkiye)108 participantsStarted 2025-03-03

Plain-language summary

Breast cancer is one of the most common cancer types worldwide and accounts for approximately 31% of all cancers in women. The global incidence of breast cancer is increasing, making it a significant public health problem. Advances in breast cancer management, including surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and hormone therapy, have contributed to reduced mortality rates. However, despite these positive developments, chemotherapy-related cognitive impairment, commonly referred to as "chemobrain," may occur. Chemotherapy-induced cognitive impairment may manifest as deficits in memory, learning, attention, motor functions, executive functions, visual-spatial abilities, and information processing speed. These impairments negatively affect patients' quality of life and daily functioning. In this study, cognitive education activities were designed and implemented to address these impairments. These activities aimed to support attention, memory, and executive functions and to minimize cognitive deficits. The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of cognitive activities applied to breast cancer patients receiving chemotherapy on cognitive functions, depression levels, and odor recognition abilities. The study sought to answer the following research questions: 1. What is the effect of cognitive education activities on odor recognition ability in breast cancer patients receiving chemotherapy? 2. What is the effect of cognitive education activities on cognitive functions in breast cancer patients receiving chemotherapy? 3. What is the effect of cognitive education activities on depression levels in these patients?

Who can participate

Age range

18 Years – 65 Years

Sex

ALL

See this in plain English?

AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.

Inclusion Criteria: Participants were eligible if they met all of the following criteria: * Aged between 18 and 65 years * Literate * Diagnosed with breast cancer * Had received at least one cycle of chemotherapy and were currently undergoing chemotherapy * Had a Standardized Mini-Mental Test (SMMT) score of 24 or below * Had no diagnosed cognitive, neurological, or psychiatric disorder prior to chemotherapy Exclusion Criteria: Participants were excluded if they met any of the following criteria: * Age over 65 years * SMMT score above 24 * Presence of brain metastases * Presence of neurological or medical conditions affecting cognitive function * Diagnosed psychiatric disorder * Current use of central nervous system depressants, stimulants, or psychiatric medications * History of alcohol or substance abuse Withdrawal Criteria: Participants were withdrawn from the study if any of the following occurred: * Discontinuation of chemotherapy treatment * Inability to attend follow-up visits regularly * Failure to complete the cognitive activity booklet tasks * Loss of contact or inability to reach the participant * Voluntary withdrawal from the study * Death during the study period

Questions worth asking your doctor

Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.

1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?

Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.

Questions for the trial coordinator

The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.

1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?

A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.

What they're measuring

Change in Cognitive Function (Standardized Mini-Mental Test)

Timeframe: From baseline to the end of the 12-week intervention period

Trial details

NCT IDNCT07570251

SponsorSaglik Bilimleri Universitesi

Sponsor typeOTHER

Study typeINTERVENTIONAL

Primary completion2026-02-24

View on ClinicalTrials.gov More Breast Cancer trials