Brain tumour research
A primary brain tumour diagnosis presents with multiple risk factors for impaired cognition, resulting from the tumour itself, surgical resection, or subsequent treatment. Despite this, there is limited knowledge regarding the cognitive characterisation of brain tumour survivors and very limited options for cognitive management post diagnosis. With these two factors in mind, the MaxCCEL lab is striving to improve clinical outcomes for brain tumour survivors, by first characterising their cognitive journey, identifying whether specific treatment or tumour characteristics are associated with cognitive outcomes, and researching the applicability and feasibility of the group memory management program, LaTCH, in improving these outcomes.
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Evaluation of the effectiveness of an online group intervention program, LaTCH, to improve memory and thinking in brain cancer survivors
Cognitive impairment impacts everyday function and quality of life; and is particularly common following brain cancer diagnosis and treatment. There is a compelling evidence base that LaTCH is an effective intervention for older adults, including those with mild cognitive impairment, and early evidence from a 2019 pilot study that LaTCH is effective for those with cancer. Due to the limited options available for people with brain cancer to assist in managing their cognition, the MaxCCEL team is currently conducting a randomised, waitlist-controlled, trial to establish the efficacy of LaTCH for individuals following brain cancer. You can hear more about this in this video featuring our Research Coordinator, Sian Virtue-Griffiths.
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The Lived Experience of the Cognitive Journey for Individuals with Primary Brain Tumour
Primary brain tumour is a heterogeneous diagnosis with multiple types, treatments, and individual outcomes. Difficulties with memory and thinking skills are common following primary brain tumour; however, little research has examined the unique cognitive experience of individuals following their diagnosis and treatment. Shelley has conducted qualitative interviews with brain tumour survivors to document their lived experience as part of her Honours program at Griffith Univeristy.
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Are the cognitive needs of brain cancer survivors being met?
Despite the 5-year survival rate following primary brain tumour diagnosis increasing, and the prevalence of cognitive impairment in brain cancer survivors, supportive care primarily remains focused on physical or mental health. Little is known about the extent of screening for cognitive impairment or the cognitive interventions available to brain cancer survivors in routine care. With this in mind, we held focus groups with brain cancer care coordinators throughout Australia to explore the current practices of cognitive assessment and intervention, and the applicability of LaTCH for managing the cognitive changes following brain cancer.
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Self and Informant Reported Cognitive Concerns Associated with Primary Brain Tumour: a Systematic Review
Beyond objective cognitive assessments, patient and informant-reported cognitive concerns have received little research attention. This systematic review aimed to determine the subjective and informant-related cognitive concerns related to a primary brain tumour diagnosis. The results of our review have the potential to inform assessment of cognitive impairment following a primary brain tumour diagnosis
