Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 6, 2026
10:10
Quantifying Cognitive Decrements Caused by Cranial Radiotherapy
Published on: October 18, 2011
13.2K
Monitoring and optimising cognitive function in cancer patients: Present knowledge and future directions
S B Schagen1, M Klein2, J C Reijneveld3
1Division of Psychosocial Research and Epidemiology, Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
Summary
Cancer and its treatments can impair cognitive function, affecting independence in patients with and without brain tumors. Research is exploring causes, consequences, and rehabilitation strategies for cognitive decline in cancer survivors.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Oncology
- Psychology
Background:
- Cancer and cancer treatments significantly impact cognitive function, a growing concern in survivorship.
- Cognitive problems are prevalent in patients with central nervous system (CNS) and non-CNS tumors, affecting daily independence.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review current knowledge on cognitive functioning in cancer patients (CNS and non-CNS) at various disease stages.
- To discuss disease and treatment effects on cognition, underlying mechanisms, and neural substrates.
- To highlight rehabilitation strategies and identify knowledge gaps in cancer-related cognitive dysfunction.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies on cognitive functioning in cancer patients.
- Analysis of disease and treatment effects on cognition.
- Examination of neural substrates and rehabilitation strategies.
Main Results:
- Cognitive deficits are common in patients with primary/secondary brain tumors and those with non-CNS cancers.
- Both the cancer itself and its therapies contribute to cognitive decline.
- Understanding of neural mechanisms and effective rehabilitation strategies is evolving.
Conclusions:
- Further research is needed to address knowledge gaps concerning cancer-related cognitive dysfunction.
- Cooperative groups should integrate cognitive endpoints into clinical trials to advance understanding and treatment.
- Interventions are crucial for improving functional independence in cancer survivors experiencing cognitive impairment.
Related Concept Videos
02:49Cancer Therapies
10.6K
Cancer therapies are various modes of treatment, such as surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy that are administered to cancer patients.
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...
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...
10.6K
02:49Cancer Therapies
3.0K
3.0K
01:30Cognitive Development During Adulthood
1.2K
Cognitive development continues throughout adulthood, undergoing significant shifts across early, middle, and late stages. Individual transition occurs from adolescent idealism to pragmatic and adaptable thinking in early adulthood. During this period, individuals learn to integrate personal beliefs with the recognition that other perspectives are equally valid. Exposure to the complexities of modern society, diverse experiences, and higher education contribute to this adaptive thought process,...
1.2K
01:30Cognitive Enhancers: Cholinesterase Inhibitors and NMDA Receptor Antagonists
869
Cognitive enhancers, also known as "smart drugs," are substances used to enhance memory, mental alertness, and concentration. These can be natural or synthetic and improve cognition in conditions like Alzheimer's disease (AD) and other neurodegenerative diseases. Some common examples include caffeine, amphetamines, methylphenidate, modafinil, arecoline, donepezil, vortioxetine, and piracetam. These enhancers work on the principle of synaptic plasticity and altered circuit function.
869
02:56Treatment Resistant Cancers
3.9K
Cancer is the second leading cause of death in the United States. A cancer cell is genetically unstable and hence can mutate faster. They can also modify their microenvironment and escape immune surveillance. The difficulties in treating cancer are further compounded by the emergence of rapid resistance to anticancer drugs. The most common ways to attain resistance in cancer cells include alteration in drug transport and metabolism, modification of drug target, elevated DNA damage response, or...
3.9K
01:22Alzheimer's Disease: Treatment
1.2K
Alzheimer's Disease (AD), a neurodegenerative disorder, is pathologically identified by amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary tangles composed of tau protein. AD pharmacotherapy aims to manage cognitive symptoms, delay disease progression, and treat behavioral symptoms. The treatment is primarily symptomatic and palliative, with no definitive disease-modifying therapy available. Cholinesterase inhibitors, including donepezil (Aricept), rivastigmine (Exelon), and galantamine (Razadyne), are...
1.2K