Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 6, 2026

Quantifying Cognitive Decrements Caused by Cranial Radiotherapy
Published on: October 18, 2011
Cognitive changes associated with central nervous system malignancies and treatment
Objectives:
To review the cognitive changes associated with infiltrative, malignant brain tumors and treatments for brain tumors.
Data Source:
Review of journal articles and textbooks.
Conclusion:
Improvements in surgical, radiation, and medical therapies for central nervous system malignancies have resulted in increased patient survival. However, an increase in cognitive decline also has been associated with the presence of tumor and with tumor treatment modalities. Consequently, a negative impact on quality of life, as well as additional stress on caregivers occurs.
Implications For Nursing Practice:
The role of the neuro-oncology nurse is to assist in identifying cognitive impairments in patients with central nervous system malignancies, and to aid in promoting strategies for improved quality of life for patients and their caregivers. The long-term goal for the neuro-oncology community is to further improve treatments, to minimize side effects and, ultimately, to reduce the cognitive sequelae of these tumors and their treatments.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
Treatment Resistant Cancers
Cancer Therapies
However, cancer treatments can pose several challenges, as therapies used to kill cancer cells are generally also toxic to normal cells. Moreover, cancer cells mutate rapidly and can develop resistance to chemical agents or radiation therapy. Besides, all types of cancer cells may not respond to the same therapy. Some cancer cells respond to one...
Chemotherapy-Induced Nausea and Vomiting: Neurokinin-1 Receptor Antagonists
Treatment Resistent Cancers
Chemotherapy-Induced Nausea and Vomiting: Dopamine Receptor Antagonists
Phenothiazines, such as prochlorperazine...
Psychoneuroimmunology: Diabetes and Cancer

