OCCUPATIONAL therapy interventions mitigate chemotherapy-induced cognitive impairment (chemo brain) among women with breast cancer, a 2026 systematic review has found.
Interventions showed a positive trend in improving occupational performance, cognitive function regarding memory and attention, and quality of life.
A combination of occupational and technological interventions had a notably positive impact on functional recovery.
Breast Cancer Treatment
Breast cancer is the most prevalent form of cancer worldwide.
Improved efficacy of antineoplastic treatments has increased the life expectancy of patients with breast cancer.
Experts have emphasised the need to improve multimodality treatments to better the quality of life of patients who have overcome breast cancer and to support them in coping with the side effects of surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, hormonal therapy, and immunotherapy.
Cancer Related Cognitive Impairment
The American Cancer Society has defined cancer-related cognitive impairment as decreased mental acuity, with increased forgetfulness, trouble concentrating and remembering details, and difficulty with multitasking and completing tasks simultaneously.
Researchers noted that it can arise at any time during treatment, often associated with the depression and anxiety inherent in a cancer diagnosis.
Impact on Quality of Life
More than 1,000 patients were analysed by researchers.
Studies provided evidence that chemo brain is a prevalent adverse effect among women with breast cancer, characterised by impaired memory, attention, executive functioning, and processing speed.
The effects can last up to 5 years after treatment and were found to significantly affect patients’ daily activities.
Studies also noted that chemo brain can cause frustration and loss of functional independence.
Effect of Occupational Therapy
Several studies established that occupational therapy is a positive pathway for addressing the impacts of chemo brain, with some reporting improvements in cognitive function and reduced anxiety and fatigue among patients who incorporated occupational therapy sessions into their treatment plans.
Technological Tools
Researchers also explored the use of technological tools with occupational therapy, finding promising results in enhancing cognitive function and occupational performance.
For example, online video games played for a minimum of one hour weekly across a period of 6 months (in addition to receiving standard cognitive rehabilitation) improved patients’ perceived cognitive performance.
Implications for Occupational Therapy Practice
Researchers emphasised the critical role of occupational therapy in mitigating chemo brain among women with breast cancer.
The evidence-base indicates that occupational therapy significantly contributes to the improvement of cognitive function, occupational performance of daily living activities, and overall quality of life.
Researchers noted that embracing technological innovations and adapting personalised occupational therapies are key aspects of providing holistic care for breast cancer survivors.
References
Castelao-Alburquerque E et al. Occupational therapy intervention to mitigate chemotherapy-induced cognitive impairment among breast cancer patients: a systematic review. Am J Occup Ther. 2026;80(2):doi:10.5014/ajot.2026.051347.
Spanish Society of Medical Oncology & Spanish Network of Cancer Registries. 2025. Available at: https://www.seom.org/images/LAS_CIFRAS_DMC2025.pdf. Last accessed: 3 March 2026.
Luna-Novoa IA et al. Assessment of occupational performance: An integrating factor of the loss of work and occupational capacity. Salud UIS. 2021;doi:10.18273/SALUDUIS.53.E:21035.
Cerulla N et al. Cognitive impairment following chemotherapy for breast cancer: The impact of practice effect on results. Clin Exp Neuropsychol. 2018;doi:10.1080/13803395.2018.1546381.
Bellens A et al. A video-game based cognitive training for breast cancer survivors with cognitive impairment. Breast. 2020;53:23-32.
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