Projects

Cognitive Rehabilitation: C-SMART and BE Well

Cognitive changes following brain tumor and its treatments are common and can negatively impact daily functioning, employment, relationships, and independence. If this sounds like something you've experienced, you may be interested in this study of two different cognitive rehabilitation interventions. It involves randomization (like the flip of a coin) to either C-SMART (Cognitive Strategies Mindfulness and Rehabilitation Therapy) or BE Well (Brain tumor Education Wellness).

C-SMART is a cognitive rehabilitation with mindfulness integrated, tailored to patients with brain tumors. It is a weekly, one-on-one, telehealth therapy, lasting 8 weeks that identifies a functional goal (e.g., increase independence or improve memory) and applies specific strategies and skills in pursuit of this goal.
BE Well is a series of 8 weekly, 1 hour videos by neuro-oncology and psychology professionals discussing strategies and general education for optimizing and maintaining brain health. These videos are emailed to you each week and watched on your own schedule.

Study procedures also include a research-only MRI, neurocognitive evaluation, and online surveys before and after the intervention. Caregivers are highly encouraged to participate in the research study and sit in on the weekly sessions or videos.

If interested, a referral can be placed via the LiveNOW Lab to determine eligibility at (804) 625-4910 or LiveNOW@vcu.edu. *Local recruitment*

Reducing Fear of Cancer Recurrence Study (FearLess)

Fear of cancer recurrence or progression (FCR) can negatively affect life quality for patients with brain tumors. We developed a psychological intervention using mindfulness, cognitive-behavioral, and existential therapy components to address FCR in this population--something that had never been done before in neuro-oncology. Participation in this research project involves attending 10 weekly sessions [all virtual via Zoom] where you will learn strategies to decrease your fears and worries surrounding tumor growth. Caregivers or loved ones are also eligible for this trial.

Neurocognitive Registry

We are establishing a registry of patients with brain tumor who undergo neurocognitive testing throughout their cancer experience. With a large enough database, we will be able to better understand the cognitive effects of tumor location, type, and treatment. This information will help us to provide more personalized resources and treatment options to reduce the impact of these cognitive changes. *Local recruitment*

Completed Projects

CALM: Symptoms of depression and death-related distress are commonly experienced by those with brain cancer. This study tested an evidence-based talk therapy, Managing Cancer and Living Meaningfully (CALM) in neuro-oncology for patients and caregivers.

Cogmed: Cogmed is a computer-based cognitive training program that has been shown to improve attention and working memory; however, efficacy of this program has yet been established in those with brain tumor. This study provided Cogmed training and longitudinally assessed participants' cognitive performance.

C-SMART: Cognitive Strategies Mindfulness And Rehabilitation Treatment (C-SMART) is an approach to cognitive rehabilitation consisting of mindfulness meditation training, goal setting, cognitive strategy learning and implementation and goal monitoring. This study provided C-SMART and assessed how well it met the needs of individuals with brain tumor.

Forgotten Voices - Addressing Unmet Needs in Brain Cancer Caregivers: This two-part study sought to: (1) understand the emotional needs and treatment preferences of caregivers of brain tumor patients over the course of their loved one’s illness, and (2) investigate how well an established psychotherapy (CALM therapy) addresses these concerns. The results of this project will be used to develop and refine interventions specific to improving the quality of life of caregivers of brain tumor patients.

Sleep Improvement Study (CBT-I): This study randomized individuals with brain tumor and insomnia to receive either 1) an evidence-based behavioral intervention, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I), or 2) a comparison group. The results of this project will tell us how effective CBT-I is for managing sleep difficulties after completing treatment for those with brain tumors.

Understanding Existential Distress: A brain tumor diagnosis can raise feelings of uncertainty about the future, anxiety about death, and questions about the purpose of life. In this survey study, we want to learn more about how these issues affect those with brain tumor and their loved ones. This information will help us to design and test an intervention to improve existential distress among those with brain tumor.