QOLP-11. WORKING MEMORY TRAINING FOR ADULTS WITH GLIOMA

BACKGROUND CogMed Working Memory Training (CWMT) is a computer-based program shown to improve working memory (WM) among those with cognitive impairment. No study to date has investigated its feasibility, acceptability, and satisfaction in adult patients with glioma, despite the well-documented incidence of WM impairment in this population. METHODS Twenty patients with glioma and objective and/or perceived WM deficits enrolled in the study: 52% high-grade, 57% female, Mage=47 (range=21-72 years). Adverse events were monitored to determine safety. Feasibility and acceptability were assessed based on established metrics. Satisfaction was explored by exit-interviews. Neurocognitive tests and measures of psychological distress were administered pre-/post-CWMT to assess preliminary efficacy. RESULTS Of 20 enrolled patients, 16 completed the study protocol (80% retention rate). Reasons for withdrawal included time burden (n=2); tumor-related fatigue (n=1) or lost to follow-up (n=1). No adverse events were determined to be study-related. Adherence was 69%. The perceived degree of benefit was only moderate. Pre- to post-CWMT assessments showed medium to large effects on near-transfer tasks (h p 2 =.35, p=.01 and h p 2 =.25, p=.04) and far-transfer tasks (h p 2 =.20, p=.07 and h p 2 =.16, p=.12) but small to no effects on perceived WM (h p 2 =.01, p=.79) and psychological distress (h p 2 =.01-.06, p=.35-.79). CONCLUSION CWMT was found to be safe and acceptable in adult patients with glioma. Enrollment, retention rates, and treatment adherence were all adequate, yet only moderate perceived benefit was reported. Given that objective measures of WM improved but psychological distress did not, it may be worth considering a less burdensome CWMT protocol, perhaps investigating a less time intensive intervention with respect to both frequency and length of training sessions.