Remote group cognitive rehab shows promise for easing chemobrain in cancer survivors

A new study examined CRAFT-G, a remote group intervention combining cognitive training, psychoeducation, and occupational-therapy-based strategies for adults experiencing cancer-related cognitive impairment. The small pilot found high satisfaction, strong retention, and clinically meaningful improvements in daily functioning and self-perceived cognitive abilities among cancer survivors. The findings suggest that remote, group-based cognitive rehabilitation may offer an accessible and effective path to helping survivors manage "chemobrain" and reclaim everyday life.

For many adults recovering from cancer, finishing treatment does not mean the end of challenges. Up to 80% of survivors continue to struggle with "chemobrain"—subtle but disruptive changes in memory, attention, and mental processing that can make work, relationships, and daily routines unexpectedly difficult. A new study from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem offers hopeful news: a remote, group-based cognitive rehabilitation program may help survivors regain confidence, improve everyday functioning, and feel less alone in the process.

The intervention, known as Cognitive Retraining and Functional Treatment- Group version (CRAFT-G), combines cognitive training exercises with an occupational-therapy-based problem-solving approach and weekly group sessions—all conducted online. In this feasibility study, five adults between 30 and 57 participated in six weekly group meetings and engaged in personalized digital brain-training activities. The results were promising. Participants not only reported clinically meaningful improvements in daily performance, but assessments also showed significant gains in their ability to carry out everyday tasks such as managing home responsibilities or organizing work demands.

Many also described feeling more understood, supported, and empowered through the group format. While improvements in objective cognitive tests were modest—common in CRCI research—self-perceived cognitive functioning improved for most participants, and physical quality-of-life scores also showed meaningful gains.

Cancer survivors often tell us they feel like they've 'lost' parts of themselves after treatment. Our goal was to offer a practical, compassionate, and accessible way to help them regain control—to show them that their cognitive challenges are real, understandable, and, importantly, treatable. Seeing participants improve in the activities that matter most to them is exactly why we do this work."

Prof. Yafit Gilboa, principal investigator of the study

Importantly, the remote format proved to be not only workable but genuinely helpful. Participants valued the ability to join from home, maintain their routines, and connect with others who shared similar experiences.

The researchers conclude that CRAFT-G is a feasible, accessible, and potentially effective option for cancer survivors living with cognitive changes, and recommend larger trials to further validate its benefits. In light of these encouraging results, a larger study is now underway to examine the intervention's effectiveness among a broader group of breast cancer survivors.

The study was funded by the Israel Cancer Association.