Can a computer game lift depression? new study tests digital therapy for cancer and kidney patients

NCT ID NCT04961047

Completed Symptom relief Sponsor: Yale University Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 25, 2026 · Last updated Jun 26, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This study tested whether a home-based digital brain training program could help with depression, thinking skills, and quality of life in 36 people with cancer or end-stage kidney disease. Participants used a computer program called Rejuvenate for 30 minutes, four times a week, for eight weeks. The goal was to see if this approach is practical and helpful for managing mood and mental function alongside major medical illnesses.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance: digital neurotherapy (brain training program)
What this could lead to: If it works, this could offer a non-drug, home-based option to ease depression and improve thinking skills in people with serious illnesses.
What could go wrong: This is a small, early feasibility study with only 36 participants, so results may not apply widely. The digital program may not work for everyone or may be hard to stick with.

This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

cancer cognitive disorder Depression depressive disorder end stage renal failure

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

COGNITION DEPRESSION QUALITY OF LIFE

Contacts and locations

Locations

Yale New Haven Hospital

New Haven, Connecticut, 06512, United States

More trials for these conditions

Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.