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Cognitive impairment and chemotherapy: a brief overview
Milena Vitali1, Carla Ida Ripamonti2, Fausto Roila3
1Medical Oncology Department, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale di Tumori, Milan, Italy.
Critical Reviews in Oncology/Hematology
|September 18, 2017
Summary
Chemotherapy can lead to cognitive impairment in cancer survivors. Further research is needed to understand the long-term effects and effective management strategies for this chemotherapy-induced cognitive dysfunction.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Neuroscience
- Psychology
Background:
- Cancer patients are surviving longer due to chemotherapy.
- Chemotherapy is associated with short and long-term toxicities, including cognitive dysfunction.
- A literature overview confirmed a link between chemotherapy and cognitive impairment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine the degree and persistent nature of chemotherapy-induced cognitive decline.
- To explore potential mechanisms of neurotoxicity.
- To consider contributing factors and management strategies.
Main Methods:
- Literature overview.
- Prospective longitudinal research is warranted.
- Consideration of multiple contributing factors.
Main Results:
- A significant association between chemotherapy and cognitive impairment was indicated.
- Chemotherapeutic agents are unlikely to cross the blood-brain barrier.
- Pro-inflammatory cytokine pathways may be linked to neurotoxicity.
Conclusions:
- Prospective longitudinal research is necessary to fully understand chemotherapy-induced cognitive dysfunction.
- Hormone therapy, emotional, social, behavioral, and genetic factors may play a role.
- Physical activity and cognitive training show promise but require further study for efficacy.
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