Brain fog after cancer: can a group program sharpen the mind?
NCT ID NCT07755839
First seen Aug 10, 2026 · Last updated Aug 11, 2026 · Updated 1 time
Summary
This pilot trial tests a structured cognitive rehabilitation program called CanCOG® for cancer survivors who experience thinking difficulties—often called 'chemo brain'—after treatment for cancers outside the brain. Sixty adult survivors will be randomly assigned to either the six-week group program or their usual care. The study focuses on whether the program is feasible and acceptable, while also exploring its potential to improve perceived and objective cognitive function, mood, and quality of life.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only, not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- CanCOG® - a structured cognitive rehabilitation program delivered in small groups over six weekly sessions, combining psychoeducation, cognitive training, and compensatory strategies.
- What this could lead to
- If effective, this program could offer a practical, non-drug way to help cancer survivors cope with memory, attention, and thinking difficulties, potentially improving daily life and emotional well-being.
- What could go wrong
- This is a small pilot study focused on feasibility, not proof of benefit. The program may not produce lasting cognitive improvements, and results may not apply to all cancer survivors.
This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.
Study facts
What this study's own registry entry says, in plain language.
- Phase
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Not a phased trial
Phase numbers describe drug development. The registry uses this when they do not apply, as it does for trials of devices, procedures or behaviour changes, and for observational studies.
- Participants
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About 60 people
The number the study aims to enrol. It can still change while the study runs.
- Expected to start
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Sep 2026
An estimate. Start dates often move.
- Expected to finish
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May 2028
An estimate. End dates often move.
- Lead sponsor
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Other sponsor
The registry's catch-all category, for sponsors it does not file as a company, a government agency, or a research network.
Who can take part
This study's own entry requirements. Only the study team can say for certain whether you qualify.
- Ages
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18 to 65 years
- Sex
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Anyone
- Healthy volunteers
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Not accepted
This study is not open to healthy volunteers. The entry requirements below say who it is open to.
Show the full entry requirements Hide the full entry requirements
Copied word for word from the study's registry entry, so the wording is the study team's rather than ours.
Inclusion Criteria: * Adults aged 18 to 65 years whose native language is European Portuguese; * Diagnosis of cancer not involving the central nervous system (non-CNS cancer); * Disease stage I to III; * Completion of primary cancer treatment at least 6 months and no more than 5 years prior to enrollment (with the exception of ongoing hormone therapy and immunotherapy); * Score \< 51 on the Perceived Cognitive Abilities subscale of the FACT-Cog v3. Stable psychiatric and neurological medication regimen for at least 3 months prior to enrollment; * Educational level equal to or higher than the 3rd year of primary education; * Ability to read and write in Portuguese and provide informed consent to participate. Exclusion Criteria: * Diagnosis of current severe psychiatric disorders (e.g., schizophrenia, psychosis, bipolar disorder, major depressive disorder, or attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder); * Diagnosis of communication disorders; * Diagnosis of neurodevelopmental disorders or other severe medical conditions (e.g., history of stroke, encephalitis, dementia or neurodegenerative disease, epilepsy, or traumatic brain injury); * Presence of metastases or other tumors; * History of substance abuse (alcohol or drugs); * Current or prior participation in another cognitive rehabilitation intervention.
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Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
How to take part
Only the study team decides who joins. These are the ways to reach them.
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The places running it
1 site. The list below names each one and where it is.
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The official record
ClinicalTrials.gov lists the study team's own contact details, including names and phone numbers. We don't republish those.
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A doctor treating you
A doctor who knows your case can contact a study site on your behalf, and can tell you whether this study is worth pursuing at all.
Contacts and locations
Locations
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University of Aveiro
Aveiro, 3810-193, Portugal
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