Efficacy of Technology-Based Cognitive Rehabilitation Tools for Cancer-Related Cognitive Impairment in Non-CNS Cancer Patients: A Systematic Review

TL;DR

This study reviews how digital tools can help cancer patients with cognitive issues, showing short-term benefits but mixed long-term results.

Contribution

The study systematically evaluates the effectiveness of digital cognitive rehabilitation for non-CNS cancer-related cognitive impairment.

Findings

Digital cognitive rehabilitation improves working memory, attention, and executive functions in non-CNS cancer patients.

Short-term follow-up shows partial maintenance of cognitive improvements, but long-term effects are variable.

Breast cancer survivors show less consistent improvements in episodic memory.

Abstract

Background: Cancer-related cognitive impairment (CRCI) is a significant concern for individuals with non-central nervous system (non-CNS) cancers, affecting memory, attention, executive functions, and processing speed. Non-pharmacological interventions, including digital cognitive rehabilitation, have shown promise in addressing CRCI. This systematic review investigates the efficacy of digital and computerized cognitive rehabilitation interventions in improving cognitive outcomes in non-CNS cancer patients. Method: A systematic search of the EMBASE, Scopus, and PubMed databases was conducted to identify studies on digital and computerized cognitive rehabilitation for non-CNS cancer patients. Studies were included if they involved computerized and digital cognitive rehabilitation for oncological patients and assessed the efficacy of the intervention. A total of 11 studies were selected, including randomized controlled trials and quasi-experimental designs. The quality of the studies was assessed using the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool (MMAT). Data was synthesized using a narrative descriptive approach, and the results were summarized in a descriptive table. Results: The most frequently assessed cognitive domains included working memory, attention, executive functions, and processing speed. The majority of studies (n = 11) demonstrated significant immediate improvements in cognitive functions, particularly in working memory, executive functions, attention, and processing speed. Short-term follow-up (1–5 months) showed partial maintenance of these improvements, while long-term effects (6 months to 1 year) were more variable. Improvements in episodic memory were less consistent, particularly among breast cancer survivors. Discussion: Digital and computerized cognitive rehabilitation appears to be an effective intervention for CRCI, providing immediate cognitive benefits and some lasting improvements, especially in domains such as memory and attention. However, long-term effects remain variable, and further research is needed to explore the optimal duration of interventions and the potential advantages of personalized rehabilitation approaches.

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