Effect of neurofeedback on fatigue and cognitive problems

What is it about?

Many cancer survivors continue to experience ongoing symptoms, such as fatigue and cognitive impairment, which are poorly managed and have few effective, evidence-based treatment options. Neurofeedback is a non-invasive, drug-free form of brain training that may alleviate long-term symptoms reported by cancer patients. We conducted a systematic review of the literature to describe the effectiveness and safety of neurofeedback for managing fatigue and cognitive impairment which are long-term symptoms commonly experienced by cancer survivors. Seventeen studies included in this review reported positive results for at least one fatigue or cognitive outcome in a variety of populations including one study with breast cancer survivors. The neurofeedback interventions were well-tolerated with only three studies reporting any side effects. Despite issues with methodological quality, the overall positive findings and few reported side effects suggests neurotherapy may help to alleviate these fatigue and cognitive impairment in cancer survivors. More information about which neurofeedback technologies, approaches and protocols could be successfully used with cancer survivors is needed. This research will have significance to nurses and physicians in oncology and primary care settings who provide follow-up care and counselling to cancer survivors experiencing debilitating symptoms in order to provide information and education related to evidence-based therapy options.

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