[Jackie07]

Idelle has sent the following information to subscribers of 'Your brain after chemo':


Were you recently treated for breast cancer? Do you feel that you have problems with memory and concentration since your breast cancer treatments?

Purpose of study:

In this research study, the aim is to evaluate the effectiveness of a rehabilitation group intervention program for breast cancer survivors who are complaining of memory loss and concentration associated with cancer treatments.


What does the study involve?

Visits to UCLA -- if you choose to take part in the research study, we will ask you to come to UCLA for an initial baseline visit, then once a week for a 5-week group intervention. We will then ask you to return for 2 more follow-up visits: a week or two after the group intervention has ended, then 2 months later. The first visit will take about three hours, the group intervention visits are 2 hours each, and the follow-up visits will take approximately 2.5 hours each. You will be mailed a survey questionnaire to complete at your home before your baseline and follow-up visits.

Taking part in a procedure called quantitative electroencephalography (QEEG). An EEG is a test that measures the electrical activity of the brain. The purpose of QEEG is to determine whether or not we can detect EEG patterns associated with cognitive complaints after breast cancer. This procedure will be conducted at 3 time points in the study.

In this study, half of the women will be assigned by chance to participate immediately in the rehabilitation group intervention program and half will be assigned to a wait-list control group. This type of randomized study is necessary to scientifically prove that something is effective. The wait-list control group will also be able to participate in the group intervention, but not until after all the visits have been completed.

Project highlights

About 60 women will take part in the study
All visits will be held at UCLA and are free to study participants
Funding has been provided by the Breast Cancer Research Foundation

Who is conducting the study?

- Patricia Ganz, M.D., UCLA Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center
- Linda Ercoli, Ph.D., UCLA Semel Institute
- Steven Castellon, Ph.D., UCLA Semel Institute
- Andrew Leuchter, M.D., UCLA Semel Institute

For more information: (310) 825-2520