CAEN, France – A growing body of research highlights the “chemo brain” phenomenon-cognitive difficulties experienced by many cancer patients during and after treatment-and one French oncologist is leading efforts to address this often-overlooked side effect. Dr. Florence Joly, based at the François-Baclesse center in Normandy, is championing a collaborative approach to cancer care and has recently secured substantial funding to develop a new digital support system. The initiative reflects a broader shift toward holistic cancer care that recognizes the importance of addressing patients’ physical, emotional, and cognitive well-being.
“You can’t do anything alone.”
A French oncologist is pioneering new approaches to cancer care, emphasizing the importance of teamwork and developing innovative support systems for patients facing cognitive challenges after treatment. These advancements highlight the growing recognition that comprehensive cancer care extends beyond medical intervention to address the holistic needs of individuals.
Early in the 2000s, she completed an 18-month internship in Canada, a country that was already further along in this area of research.
“I went with my whole family, it was a beautiful professional and personal experience.”
Upon her return, she founded and led the clinical research department, eventually earning the highly coveted CLIP label (Centre Labellisé Phase Précoce) from the National Cancer Institute.
“The François-Baclesse center supported me. Whether it was the infrastructure, my colleagues, the support from management… the professional environment really helped me.”
The professor of medical oncology is currently involved in numerous projects, consistently stressing:
“There are two key concepts in research: teamwork and multidisciplinarity, to benefit from everyone’s expertise. You can’t do anything alone.”
The CogBoost Application
Florence Joly recently received the grand prize from Ruban Rose – a €300,000 grant awarded in 2023 to doctors or researchers with recognized expertise in breast cancer research – as well as funding from pharmaceutical company AstraZeneca.
“This will allow us to continue developing an application, CogBoost, which we are currently working on as a multidisciplinary team. It will be aimed at women with breast cancer who are suffering from cognitive impairment related to their treatments.”
The project, supported by the Normandy Region and Normandie Incubation, will provide support through online resources, workshops led by a healthcare professional, self-guided or group physical activity modules, and cognitive exercises.
“It’s a three-month program that will conclude with an evaluation. We hope to demonstrate that the platform can reduce cognitive impairment, improve quality of life, and accelerate return to work for patients after treatment.”
