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Updated: May 6, 2026

Quantifying Cognitive Decrements Caused by Cranial Radiotherapy
Published on: October 18, 2011
Proposed mechanisms for cancer- and treatment-related cognitive changes
Objectives:
To review the proposed mechanisms of cognitive changes associated with non-central nervous system cancers and cancer treatment.
Data Sources:
Review and synthesis of databased publications and review articles.
Conclusion:
Proposed mechanisms include cytokine upregulation, hormonal changes, neurotransmitter dysregulation, attentional fatigue, genetic predisposition, and comorbid symptoms.
Implications For Nursing Practice:
Oncology nurses need to understand the multiple mechanisms that may contribute to the development of cancer- and treatment-related cognitive changes so that they can identify patients at high risk and help patients understand why these changes occur.
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