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Quantifying Cognitive Decrements Caused by Cranial Radiotherapy
Published on: October 18, 2011
An update on cancer- and chemotherapy-related cognitive dysfunction: current status
Michelle C Janelsins1, Sadhna Kohli, Supriya G Mohile
1Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY 14642, USA. michelle_janelsins@urmc.rochester.edu
None:
The purpose of this review is to summarize the current literature on the effects of cancer treatment-related cognitive difficulties, with a focus on the effects of chemotherapy. Numerous patients have cognitive difficulties during and after cancer treatments and, for some, these effects last years after treatment. We do not yet fully understand which factors increase susceptibility to cognitive difficulties during treatment and which cause persistent problems. We review possible contributors, including genetic and biological factors. Mostly we focus is on cognitive effects of adjuvant chemotherapy for breast cancer; however, cognitive effects of chemotherapy on the elderly and brain tumor patients are also discussed.
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