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Changes in neuronal activation patterns in response to androgen deprivation therapy: a pilot study
Monique M Cherrier1, Paul R Borghesani, Amy L Shelton
1Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA 98195, USA. cherrier@u.washington.edu
BMC Cancer
|January 6, 2010
Summary
Androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) for prostate cancer may reduce brain activity in key cognitive areas. This study observed decreased neural activation during visuospatial tasks in men undergoing ADT, suggesting potential cognitive side effects.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Oncology
- Radiology
Background:
- Androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) is a common prostate cancer treatment.
- ADT can cause physical, quality of life, psychiatric, and cognitive side effects.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of ADT on brain activity during visuospatial tasks.
- To assess cognitive changes in prostate cancer patients undergoing ADT.
Main Methods:
- Hormone-naïve prostate cancer patients (n=5) received nine months of ADT.
- Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) was used to measure brain activity during visuospatial tasks at baseline and after treatment.
- Seven healthy controls underwent neuroimaging for comparison.
Main Results:
- ADT patients exhibited reduced task-related BOLD-fMRI activation compared to controls.
- Significant reductions in activation were noted in right parietal-occipital regions.
- These reductions were associated with tasks involving spatial location recall and mental rotation.
Conclusions:
- Preliminary findings suggest ADT can decrease neural activation in brain regions crucial for spatial cognition.
- ADT may impact cognitive functions such as mental rotation and spatial memory recall.
