Neurofeedback May Help Chemo Brain Patients

Author: University of California - Los Angeles
Published: 2022/08/25 - Updated: 2025/08/19
Publication Details: Peer-Reviewed, Research, Study, Analysis
Category Topic: Biofeedback and Neurofeedback - Academic Publications

Page Content: Synopsis - Introduction - Main - Insights, Updates

Synopsis: This peer-reviewed pilot study investigates the use of electroencephalogram biofeedback, or neurofeedback, to address cognitive impairments known as "chemo brain" in breast cancer survivors post-chemotherapy, with nine women participating in 18 training sessions over several weeks to normalize abnormal brain wave patterns identified through initial EEG assessments. The results showed significant improvements in brain activity for all participants, alongside enhanced performance in areas like information processing, attention, and executive function, as well as better overall psychological well-being, though the small sample and lack of a control group highlight the need for further validation. Drawing authority from its publication in a respected academic journal and the expertise of UCLA-affiliated researchers, this work provides practical guidance for clinicians and patients exploring non-pharmacological options to regain mental sharpness, proving especially relevant for older adults or those navigating disabilities compounded by cancer treatment side effects - Disabled World (DW).

Introduction

A Neurotherapy protocol to remediate cognitive deficits after adjuvant chemotherapy: a pilot study.

Restoring normal functioning in the brains of cancer patients through neurofeedback could potentially alleviate the mental fogginess that many report after treatment, according to a new pilot study from UCLA researchers.

Main Content

The study is one of the first to indicate that neurofeedback, or electroencephalogram (EEG) biofeedback, could help address cognitive deficits of cancer patients experiencing "chemo brain," a myriad of symptoms that could include problems with memory, concentration, and organization, as well as other symptoms like trouble sleeping and emotional difficulties.

Previous research has found that neurofeedback, in which brain waves are trained to operate in optimal frequency patterns, has helped improve cognitive function in patients with cognitive impairments like attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, stroke, and seizures, as well as helped regulate brain activity in patients with substance use and post-traumatic stress disorders.

"The history of neurofeedback shows that it's helpful for a whole range of disorders and symptoms. This study was an opportunity to see whether neurofeedback could be helpful with chemo brain," said Stephen Sideroff, a professor at UCLA's Department of Psychiatry & Biobehavioral Sciences who led the study and has used neurofeedback training with patients for over 20 years.

The study was published in the peer-reviewed Journal of Complementary and Integrative Medicine. The study by Sideroff and UCLA colleagues David Wellisch and Valerie Yarema included nine female breast cancer patients between the ages of 21 and 65 who had completed chemotherapy at least one year earlier and complained of debilitating symptoms of chemo brain, which brought significant disruptions to their work and personal lives.

A clinical nurse practitioner conducted a brief mental status interview with each patient to confirm that they had persistent difficulties with concentration, memory, organization, and confusion. The patients selected for the study did not have a current breast cancer diagnosis, a present or recent diagnosis of a major depressive disorder or other mental illness, or used cognitive-altering medications that might confound study results.

Before the neurofeedback training sessions began, the study participants received neurocognitive and psychological tests and a quantitative EEG to measure brain wave frequencies that could be compared to normative data. The pre-training quantitative EEGs show that each study participant had abnormal brain wave activity compared to healthy adult brains.

The study participants received 18 neurofeedback sessions, scheduled for 30 minutes each over six weeks. During these sessions, sensors were placed on the scalp and earlobe to monitor brain wave frequencies. Patients were shown a monitor displaying these frequencies in bar graphs and told their goal was to increase or decrease the amplitude of specific frequency ranges to turn each bar green. They received audio and visual feedback when they successfully shifted these amplitudes.

Quantitative EEGs taken after the 18 neurofeedback sessions were completed found that brain wave frequencies had significantly normalized in seven of the nine study participants, and they had significantly improved in the other two.

Neurocognitive testing conducted after the neurofeedback sessions showed substantial improvements in the participants' information processing, executive set-shifting, and sustained visual attention. Each improved in everyday functioning and had overall psychological improvement.

Study limitations include small sample size and lack of a control group. Another limitation was the extended window it took most study participants to undergo all 18 neurofeedback sessions. Three completed the training in the planned six-week window, while most took between seven and nine weeks. Previous research on neurofeedback has found that therapy is more effective when sessions are conducted closer together.

"Our results are more impressive given we were not able to have subjects stick to the schedule," Sideroff said.

Sideroff said the study results were strong enough to support further research into whether neurofeedback is effective for addressing chemo brain and determining the ideal protocols for conducting neurofeedback training sessions.

The authors have no conflicts of interest or funding sources to report.

Article:

Sideroff, Stephen, Wellisch, David and Yarema, Valerie. "A Neurotherapy protocol to remediate cognitive deficits after adjuvant chemotherapy: a pilot study" Journal of Complementary and Integrative Medicine, 2022.

Insights, Analysis, and Developments

Editorial Note: This early exploration into neurofeedback's role in countering chemo brain underscores a shift toward personalized, brain-training interventions in oncology aftercare, where traditional medicine often falls short; with broader trials on the horizon, it could redefine how we support long-term cognitive health in survivors, blending neuroscience with patient-centered recovery strategies to foster resilience in the face of lingering treatment impacts.

While this pilot study's small sample size and lack of control group warrant cautious interpretation, the compelling neurological improvements documented through quantitative EEG measurements, combined with meaningful cognitive and functional gains, establish a foundation for larger clinical trials that could revolutionize post-chemotherapy care and offer hope to millions of cancer survivors worldwide who continue to struggle with persistent cognitive challenges - Disabled World (DW).

Attribution/Source(s): This peer reviewed publication was selected for publishing by the editors of Disabled World (DW) due to its relevance to the disability community. Originally authored by University of California - Los Angeles and published on 2022/08/25, this content may have been edited for style, clarity, or brevity.