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The Effects of Nonpharmacologic Interventions on Cognitive Function in Patients With Cancer: A Meta-Analysis
Oncology Nursing Forum
|August 20, 2016
Summary
Nonpharmacologic interventions, especially psychological approaches, can improve perceived cognitive function and memory in cancer patients. Further research is needed to confirm behavioral interventions for cognitive rehabilitation.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Neuroscience
- Rehabilitation Medicine
Background:
- Cancer patients frequently experience cognitive dysfunction, often referred to as "chemobrain" or cognitive impairment.
- This cognitive decline can significantly impact quality of life and treatment adherence.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically evaluate the efficacy of nonpharmacologic interventions for improving cognitive functioning in adult cancer survivors.
- To identify specific intervention types that demonstrate the most benefit for cognitive enhancement.
Main Methods:
- A comprehensive literature search was conducted across major databases including EMBASE, MEDLINE®, Cochrane Library CENTRAL, CINAHL®, and Korean databases.
- Fourteen controlled trials involving 977 participants were included in the meta-analysis.
- Risk of bias was assessed using Cochrane's tool, and data were analyzed using RevMan 5.3.
Main Results:
- Nonpharmacologic interventions showed significant benefits for subjective cognitive functioning and memory.
- No significant improvements were observed in attention, executive functioning, or verbal ability.
- Psychological interventions, in particular, demonstrated a notable positive effect on perceived cognitive function.
Conclusions:
- Nonpharmacologic interventions, especially psychological ones, show promise in improving perceived cognitive function and memory in cancer patients.
- Further high-powered research is necessary to establish the effectiveness of behavioral interventions as cognitive rehabilitation strategies.
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