Resting-State Brain Function Alteration in Colorectal Cancer Patients

Area of Science:

• Neuroimaging
• Cognitive Neuroscience
• Oncology

Background:

• Colorectal cancer (CRC) is associated with cognitive impairment.
• The underlying neuroimaging mechanisms of this impairment remain unclear.

Purpose of the Study:

• Investigate altered brain functional activity in CRC patients using resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rs-fMRI).
• Identify neuroimaging mechanisms contributing to cognitive impairment in CRC.

Main Methods:

• rs-fMRI scans were performed on 56 CRC patients and 50 healthy controls (HCs).
• Cognitive function was assessed using the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA).
• Analysis included amplitude of low-frequency fluctuations (ALFF), degree centrality (DC), and regional homogeneity (ReHo).

Main Results:

• CRC patients showed lower scores in executive function, visuospatial skills, memory, language, and attention.
• Reduced ReHo, ALFF, and DC were observed in multiple brain regions, including the postcentral gyrus, middle occipital gyrus, lingual gyrus, angular gyrus, precuneus, and middle temporal gyrus.
• Abnormal functional indicators were concentrated in the middle occipital gyrus, postcentral gyrus, and lingual gyrus.

Conclusions:

• CRC patients display abnormal resting-state brain function, especially in regions vital for cognition.
• This study highlights potential biological pathways contributing to brain impairment and neurocognitive decline in CRC.