Neurobehavioral Impairment Related to Chemotherapy (the "Chemobrain" Study)

Summary:
After completing chemotherapy, some people suffer from fatigue, lack of focus and concentration, inability to organize daily activities and memory loss, a condition commonly called Chemobrain. This condition affects a patient’s quality of life and makes everyday activities more difficult.

The Beth Israel Cancer Center is conducting a study to evaluate a potential treatment for Chemobrain. The medication being studied, Focalin, is FDA-approved for the treatment of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in children.

Participants come for weekly 1 hour study visits, for nine-to-eleven weeks. During these visits, they complete questionnaires and assessments to evaluate any change in their symptoms. The study is placebo-controlled, which means that some patients will receive an inactive pill and no drug. Participants will be assigned to receive study drug or placebo randomly. Participants have an equal chance of receiving the drug or the placebo.

Eligibility:
People may participate in this study whether or not their cancer was treated at Beth Israel. They must have fatigue and problems with either memory or concentration. Participants must have received at least 4 cycles of chemotherapy and have finished treatment at least two months before enrolling in the study. Participants cannot be currently receiving cytotoxic anti-cancer therapies or radiation therapy.

Participants must be between the ages of 18 and 70 and be fluent in English.

Benefits and/or Compensation:
Participants will be compensated for their time. The medication is FDA-approved, and participants may be able to continue use of the medication after the study is over if their doctor approves.