Abstract
The aim of this network meta-analysis was to evaluate the comparative effects of neuropsychological interventions for cancer-related cognitive impairment (CRCI), and to rank the best intervention options for adult cancer patients with CRCI. Twenty-seven eligible randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were searched, and a total of six interventions identified: cognitive behavioral therapies (CBT), cognitive rehabilitation (CR), cognitive training (CT), meditation/mindfulness-based interventions, psychoeducation, and supportive care. In terms of effectiveness, the relative effect size of CBT, CR, and CT in managing subjective cognition had statistically significant differences – 0.94 (0.43–1.44), 0.54 (0.03–1.05), and 0.47 (0.13–0.81), respectively. The most effective interventions to manage the objective cognition of attention were meditation or mindfulness-based interventions: intervention effect size was 0.58 (0.24–0.91). The relative effect size of CT had a statistically significant difference in managing verbal memory, and the intervention effect size was 1.16 (0.12–2.20). The relative effect size of psychoeducation in managing executive function compared with control had a statistically significant difference, which was 0.56 (0.26–0.86). For managing information processing speed, the most effective intervention was CT and the effect size was -0.58 (-1.09—-0.06). This network meta-analysis found that CT is the most effective intervention for managing the objective cognition of verbal memory and processing speed; meditation/mindfulness-based interventions may be the best option for enhancing attention; psychoeducation is the most effective intervention for managing executive function; CT may be the best option for managing verbal fluency as the intervention ranking probability. For the management of subjective cognition, CBT may be the most effective intervention.
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This research was funded by the National Natural Science Foundation of China to support Yingchun Zeng (Grant #: 72004039).
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Cheng, A.S.K., Wang, X., Niu, N. et al. Neuropsychological Interventions for Cancer-Related Cognitive Impairment: A Network Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials. Neuropsychol Rev 32, 893–905 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11065-021-09532-1
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11065-021-09532-1