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Updated: Nov 2, 2025

Quantifying Cognitive Decrements Caused by Cranial Radiotherapy
Published on: October 18, 2011
Research advances on how metformin improves memory impairment in "chemobrain"
Ahmad Alhowail1, Sridevi Chigurupati2
1Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, Qassim University, Buraidah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
Abstract:
Cognitive impairment caused by chemotherapy, referred to as "chemobrain," is observed in approximately 70% of cancer survivors. However, it is not completely understood how chemotherapy induces cognitive dysfunction, and clinical treatment strategies for this problem are lacking. Metformin, used as a first-line treatment for type 2 diabetes mellitus, is reported to reduce the effects of chemobrain. Recently, several studies have examined the effect of metformin in rescuing chemobrain. This review discusses recent clinical/preclinical studies that addressed some mechanisms of chemobrain and evaluates the effect of metformin in rescuing chemobrain and its potential mechanisms of action.
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