# Real World Outcomes of a Condensed Classroom‐Based Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Cancer‐Related Cognitive Impairment

## TL;DR

A shortened version of a therapy for cancer-related cognitive issues improved patients' self-reported cognitive function and quality of life in a real-world setting.

## Contribution

A condensed classroom-based cognitive behavioral therapy for CRCI was developed and tested in clinical practice.

## Key findings

- Participants showed significant improvements in perceived cognitive impairments and quality of life.
- Coping confidence and relaxation skills improved significantly after the intervention.
- The condensed therapy could be efficiently delivered in clinical settings or via telehealth.

## Abstract

Cancer‐related cognitive impairment (CRCI) affects a large proportion of cancer survivors and adversely affects quality of life (QoL). While there is no established CRCI treatment, a cognitive‐behavioral therapy (CBT), Memory and Attention Adaptation Training (MAAT), has evidence of efficacy in improving self‐reported and objective neurocognitive outcomes. However, not all people with CRCI require a full course of MAAT (8 visits).

We condensed MAAT into an educational class (4 1‐h meetings) as a “stepped care” approach to address CRCI in a busy clinical oncology care setting. Our goal with this quality improvement project was to offer brief, accessible CRCI care and evaluate self‐reported cognitive function.

“MAAT‐Class” utilizes discussion, problem‐solving and a PowerPoint presentation emphasizing CRCI education, self‐awareness, self‐regulation/emotional coping, and compensatory strategies. All participants use a MAAT workbook. Self‐report measures assessing cognitive symptoms, emotional function, coping and sleep were administered before and after MAAT‐Class.

Twenty‐two adult participants with diverse cancer diagnoses (breast, leukemia/lymphoma, CNS tumor) provided complete data. Significant improvements were observed in Perceived Cognitive Impairments (p < 0.05; d = 0.79), Impact on QoL (p < 0.05; d = 0.39), Perceived Cognitive Abilities (p < 0.05; d = 0.88), relaxation skills (p < 0.001; d = 0.77) and coping confidence (p < 0.001; d = 0.77).

A condensed classroom‐based version of MAAT demonstrated improvements in perceived cognitive impairments, QoL and coping. This first‐step clinical educational approach could potentially and efficiently help inform patients with CRCI and improve QoL outcomes. Administering MAAT‐Class via telehealth could potentially help survivorship care access. However, evaluation with a randomized study is necessary to definitively answer questions of efficacy.