CogMAP Study Overview: For Providers

What is the CogMAP Study?

A research study aimed at improving measurement of cognitive function in breast cancer patients using cutting-edge methods in cognitive neuroscience. The purpose of this research study is to examine if and how cognition changes over the course of breast cancer treatment, and to explore the multitude of factors, including demographics (e.g., age, education), psychosocial experiences (e.g., stress, depressive symptoms), physical symptoms (e.g., fatigue, inflammation), and brain architecture, that might predict individual cognitive change.

What makes a patient eligible?

  • Women ages 18-75 who are diagnosed with early stage (I-IIIC) breast cancer who have not yet started treatment for their breast cancer (can already have had surgery)  

  • Fluent in English, and have normal color-vision

  • No history of neurological disorder or other serious medical conditions

  • Are willing and able to participate in MRI scanning (e.g., no implanted metal) and blood sample collection

What will patients do in the CogMAP study?

Complete two identical study waves, one before starting treatment and one 4-8 weeks after finishing treatment. During each wave, participants will:

  1. answer questionnaires about their psychosocial experiences

  2. complete a battery of neuropsychological assessments

  3. undergo an MRI scan while completing four cognitive neuroscience-based tasks

  4. provide a blood sample using a simple finger prick

What are the possible incentives to patients for participating?

  • Compensated $95 per wave ($30 for each virtual session and $65 for each in-person session), with a $50 bonus for completing both pre & post-treatment waves

  • Receive non-diagnostic images of their brain (optional)

How can clinicians help us conduct this study?

  • Permit recruitment flyers in your clinic space (waiting areas, exam rooms).

  • Be willing to receive inquiries via EPIC messenger from our Study Coordinators regarding whether we can approach eligible patients. Patients may be approached via telephone, email, video-conferencing, or in-person during a clinic visit.

  • Consider referring any eligible patients to our Study Coordinators.

We would love to speak with you and give you more details!

We can do this via phone, email, video conferencing, or an office visit. We look forward to working with you to make this a valuable experience for your patients, with minimal disruption to your daily workflow. For more information, or if you have any questions, please contact us!

 

Contact Us

Study Phone: (919) 960-1435

Study Email: cogmap@unc.edu

Keely Muscatell, Ph.D., Principal Investigator: kmuscatell@unc.edu

Jessica Cohen, Ph.D., Co-Principal Investigator: jrcohen@unc.edu

Ritushree Dutta, Study Coordinator: ritushree.dutta@unc.edu

Ellie Birdsong, Study Coordinator: elliehf@unc.edu