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Cognitive function after adjuvant treatment for early breast cancer: a population-based longitudinal study
Jeanne Debess1, Jens Østergaard Riis, Malene Cramer Engebjerg
1Department of Oncology, Aalborg Hospital, Aarhus University, Aalborg, Denmark.
Breast Cancer Research and Treatment
|March 23, 2010
Summary
This study found no objective cognitive decline in early breast cancer patients after chemotherapy. However, patients on chemotherapy or tamoxifen self-reported more cognitive impairments compared to controls.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Neuroscience
- Psychology
Background:
- Early breast cancer treatment often involves adjuvant chemotherapy or hormone therapy.
- Concerns exist regarding potential cognitive side effects of these treatments.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess cognitive function in early breast cancer patients before and after adjuvant therapy (chemotherapy or tamoxifen).
- To compare cognitive function between patients and a healthy control group.
Main Methods:
- Population-based study in Denmark involving 120 women (<60 years) with early breast cancer and 208 age-matched controls.
- Neuropsychological tests and questionnaires administered before and after 6 months of treatment.
- Evaluation of cognitive function, quality of life, and psychological distress.
Main Results:
- Objective neuropsychological tests showed no significant cognitive differences between chemotherapy patients and controls.
- Patients receiving chemotherapy or tamoxifen self-reported increased cognitive impairment compared to controls.
- Patients not receiving adjuvant medical treatment showed cognitive function levels similar to controls after 6 months.
Conclusions:
- Adjuvant chemotherapy does not appear to be associated with objective cognitive side effects in early breast cancer patients.
- Subjective self-ratings of cognitive impairment may differ from objective test results in patients undergoing treatment.
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