Neurocognitive function after (chemo)-radiotherapy for head and neck cancer

Area of Science:

• Radiation Oncology
• Neuro-oncology
• Head and Neck Cancer Treatment

Background:

• Radical radiotherapy is crucial for head and neck cancer (HNC) treatment, often involving significant brain irradiation.
• Intensity-modulated radiotherapy techniques may increase irradiated brain volumes in HNC patients.
• Concomitant use of chemotherapy increases the risk of neurotoxicity in HNC patients.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the evidence on late neurotoxicity of radical (chemo)-radiotherapy for HNC.
• To focus on the impact of treatment on neurocognitive function (NCF) in HNC patients.
• To identify potential measures for minimizing treatment-related neurotoxicity.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of studies on late neurotoxicity in HNC patients treated with radical (chemo)-radiotherapy.
• Focus on studies assessing neurocognitive function (NCF) outcomes.
• Analysis of risk factors contributing to neurocognitive decline.

Main Results:

• HNC patients are at risk for adverse late brain effects, including impaired neurocognitive function (NCF).
• Risk factors for HNC, such as smoking and alcohol use, are also linked to impaired NCF.
• Understanding the impact of (chemo)-radiotherapy on NCF is crucial due to improved survival rates.

Conclusions:

• Radical (chemo)-radiotherapy for HNC poses risks to neurocognitive function (NCF).
• Pre-existing risk factors exacerbate the potential for neurocognitive decline.
• Further research is needed to develop strategies for mitigating treatment-related neurotoxicity and preserving NCF.