Cancer survivors who have had memory problems after chemotherapy can sometimes benefit from psychotherapy via video chats, based on a new study. After chemo treatments up to half of patients might have problems ncluding verbal memory such as recalling past conversations.   

Lead author Robert Ferguson works at the University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute. He conducted the research at the Eastern Maine Medical Center and Lafayette Family Cancer Center in Maine.

Ferguson explains that memory failures after chemotherapy are related to everyday events. They include what people said at a meeting or where the person parked their car.

The research team wanted to learn if a type of cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) known as Memory and Attention Adaptation Training (MAAT) would help cancer survivors. It was provided through video conference.   

 Study participants included 47 Caucasian women who had finished chemotherapy for breast cancer. Their chemo treatments were an average four years earlier and they still had memory problems.

The research team divided the women into two groups. One group received 30 to 45-minute MAAT sessions with one therapist through video chats. MAAT therapists learn which kinds of memory loss are caused by chemotherapy, and which situations cause higher risks of memory lapses.  

Meanwhile, the other group was given eight sessions of video conferences, but the talk therapist did not include behavioral training.

The study's volunteers filled out questionnaires on memory problems and anxiety about them. They also had various neuro-psychological tests.

During the last follow-up, the subjects who received MATT therapy reported fewer memory problems and better results for processing speed tests, according to Reuters. In addition, their anxiety levels about memory problems were also lower.  

Researchers have studied the effects of chemo treatments on the human brain for over 15 years. However, it is unclear why some people have cognitive problems.

In related news, another new study shows that cancer drug prices are 600 percent higher compared to medications that hit the market in 2000, according to Tech Times. There are many theories about the cause.

Oral cancer drugs have become more popular to patients and private insurance companies. However, in recent years cancer patients have had to pay a higher percentage for more expensive specialty medicines.

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