Introduction. Neurofeedback is a drug-free form of brain training reported to help with a variety of conditions including pain, fatigue, depression, anxiety, sleep disorders and cognitive decline. This cross-sectional descriptive study explored the use of neurofeedback by cancer survivors to manage long-term symptoms, and aimed to identify safe, effective neurofeedback protocols for this population.

Methods: An online survey was administered to neurofeedback providers to identify: (1) use of neurofeedback by cancer survivors; (2) types/protocols of neurofeedback used; (3) types of symptoms addressed; (4) success of training; and (5) prevalence/nature of side effects.

Results: Ninety-two neurofeedback providers participated, and of these 42 (46%) reported having provided neurofeedback to an average of six cancer survivors. Neurofeedback training was reported to eliminate/reduce symptoms including fatigue (16%/66%), cognitive impairment (23%/62%), sleep problems (14%/72%), stress (17%/70%), anxiety (27%/63%), depression (35%/50%), and pain (10%/54%). Transient side effects reported included fatigue (9%), headache (7%), spaciness (lack of focus) (6%), anxiety (4%), insomnia (3%), and dizziness (3%).

Conclusions: Some cancer survivors are turning to a variety of neurofeedback types/protocols to successfully manage their long-term symptoms. Preliminary results suggest neurofeedback may be a safe and effective therapy for cancer survivors. As the evidence supporting this novel CAM therapy grows, cancer survivors with ongoing symptoms that are not managed by conventional therapies might consider a trial of neurofeedback. Further research is needed to identify those individuals most likely to benefit from neurofeedback, and to confirm which neurofeedback types and protocols are most effective for managing long-term effects of cancer treatment.

Luctkar-Flude, M., Groll, D., & Tyerman, J. (2017). Using neurofeedback to manage long-term symptoms in cancer survivors: Results of a survey of neurofeedback providers. European Journal of Integrative Medicine, 12 , 172-176. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.eujim.2017.06.003