Novel computerized neurocognitive test battery is sensitive to cancer-related cognitive deficits in survivors

Purpose There is increasing interest in developing new methods to improve sensitivity in detecting subtle cognitive deficits associated with cancer and its treatments. The current study aimed to evaluate the ability of a novel computerized battery of cognitive neuroscience-based tests to discriminate between cognitive performance in breast cancer survivors and controls. Methods Breast cancer survivors (N=174) and age-matched non-cancer controls (N=183) completed the Enformia Cogsuite Battery of cognitive assessments, comprised of 7 computerized tests of multiple cognitive domains. Primary outcome measures included accuracy, reaction times (RT), and coefficients of variation (CV) for each task, as well as global scores of accuracy, RT, and CV aggregated across tests. Results Linear regressions adjusting for age, education, and remote vs. in-office administration showed that compared to non-cancer controls, survivors had significantly lower performance on measures of attention, executive function, working memory, verbal ability, visuospatial ability, and motor function. Survivors had significantly greater CV on measures of attention, working memory, and processing speed, and significantly slower RT on measures of verbal fluency. Conclusions The Cogsuite battery demonstrates sensitivity to cancer-related cognitive dysfunction across multiple domains, and is capable of identifying specific cognitive processes that may be affected in survivors. Implications for Cancer Survivors The sensitivity of these tasks to subtle cognitive deficits has advantages for initial diagnosis of cancer-related cognitive dysfunction, as well as detecting changes in survivors' cognitive function over time. The remote delivery of the battery may help overcome barriers associated with in-office administration and increase access to neurocognitive evaluation.

Automated summary

This study evaluated the ability of a novel computerized battery of cognitive neuroscience-based tests to distinguish cognitive performance between breast cancer survivors and controls. The results showed that survivors had lower performance in multiple cognitive domains compared to controls. The battery demonstrated sensitivity to cancer-related cognitive dysfunction and identified specific cognitive processes that may be affected in survivors. This has implications for the initial diagnosis and monitoring of cognitive function in cancer survivors.