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Updated: May 22, 2026
10:10
Quantifying Cognitive Decrements Caused by Cranial Radiotherapy
Published on: October 18, 2011
Chemotherapy-related cognitive change: a principle-based concept analysis.
1Penn State Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, PA, USA. mkanaskie@hmc.psu.edu
Oncology Nursing Forum
|May 1, 2012
Summary
Cognitive changes after chemotherapy are not well-defined in research. Understanding these changes is crucial for developing interventions to improve cancer survivors' quality of life.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Neuroscience
- Cognitive Psychology
Background:
- Chemotherapy is a common cancer treatment.
- Cognitive changes, often termed 'chemo brain', are a reported side effect.
- The precise nature and impact of these cognitive changes require further elucidation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To conduct a principle-based concept analysis of cognitive change in cancer patients post-chemotherapy.
- To develop a theoretical definition of chemotherapy-related cognitive change.
Main Methods:
- Systematic literature search of 4 major databases (OVID, PubMed, CINAHL®, Web of Knowledge) up to June 2010.
- Analysis of 86 English-language articles using philosophical principles (epistemologic, pragmatic, linguistic, logical).
Main Results:
- Chemotherapy-related cognitive change lacks clear definition and differentiation in scientific literature.
- Implicit meanings identified in patient accounts, cognitive domains studied, and assessment tools.
- Antecedents include disease and treatment factors; moderators may include anxiety, depression, and fatigue.
- Consequences encompass adjustment to illness, quality of life impact, and emotional distress.
Conclusions:
- Principle-based concept analysis yields scientifically evidenced insights into chemotherapy-related cognitive change.
- A theoretical definition reflecting the current state of science was generated.
- Improved understanding can lead to timely interventions enhancing cancer survivors' quality of life.
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