Neurocognitive functioning in patients with Cancer involving the central nervous system

Area of Science:

• Neuro-oncology
• Cognitive Neuroscience

Background:

• Central nervous system (CNS) tumors, including primary and metastatic types, affect diverse patient populations.
• These tumors, regardless of origin, pose a significant risk of neurocognitive impairment, negatively impacting health-related quality of life (HRQoL).

Purpose of the Study:

• To review and synthesize current literature on neurocognitive deficits in patients with CNS tumors.
• To examine the influence of tumor type, location, and treatment modalities on neurocognitive outcomes.

Main Methods:

• A targeted literature search was conducted in PubMed and Scopus.
• Studies focusing on gliomas, primary CNS lymphomas, and metastatic CNS tumors were selected based on clinical relevance and methodological quality.
• Data synthesis included neurocognitive assessments, patient demographics, and modifiers like brain plasticity and psychological distress.

Main Results:

• Neurocognitive deficits, including impairments in memory, attention, processing speed, and executive function, are prevalent in CNS tumor patients.
• Tumor location, particularly frontal and temporal lobe involvement, significantly impacts deficit severity.
• Radiotherapy contributes cumulatively to neurocognitive decline, while psychological distress and brain resilience modulate outcomes.

Conclusions:

• Neurocognitive impairment stems from both CNS tumor pathology and treatment side effects.
• Understanding these mechanisms is vital for developing targeted interventions like cognitive rehabilitation and personalized treatment plans.
• Optimizing HRQoL requires integrated management strategies with neuroprotective approaches and psychological support.