Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 14, 2026

Quantifying Cognitive Decrements Caused by Cranial Radiotherapy
Published on: October 18, 2011
Association Between Chemotherapy-Related Cognitive Impairment and Biomarkers in Older Patients With Cancer: A
1Ajou University College of Nursing, 164 World cup-ro, Yeongtong-gu, Suwon 16499, South Korea.
Purpose:
Chemotherapy-related cognitive impairment (CRCI) is a prevalent and distressing issue among older adults with cancer, affecting quality of life and treatment adherence. While its mechanisms remain unclear, biomarkers have emerged as promising tools for understanding CRCI. This systematic review aimed to explore the relationships between cognitive impairment following chemotherapy and biomarkers in older patients with cancer.
Methods:
A comprehensive search was conducted through December 2024 across PubMed, CINAHL, Embase, PsycINFO, and the Cochrane Library. An additional hand search was performed through July 2025. The focus was on patients over 60 years of age with CRCI and associated biomarkers. The review adhered to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses 2020 guidelines, and the methodological quality of included studies was assessed using the Joanna Briggs Institute checklist to ensure rigor and reliability.
Results:
Six of the initial 6324 articles met the inclusion criteria, and seven additional studies were identified through manual searching. In total, 13 studies identified several biomarkers associated with CRCI in older patients with cancer. These included serum hemoglobin, brain-derived neurotrophic factor, percent cerebral oxyhemoglobin, functional network connectivity, and individual alpha peak frequency.
Conclusions:
This review highlights several biomarkers potentially associated with CRCI in older patients with cancer, though consistent and definitive biomarkers remain elusive. Further research is needed to clarify the biological mechanisms underlying CRCI and inform the development of interventions aimed at preventing cognitive decline in this vulnerable population. The identification of validated biomarkers will be critical for advancing personalized nursing and improving clinical outcomes in older adults with cancer. The research protocol was registered in advance on the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews under CRD42022353113.
Related Concept Videos
Alzheimer's Disease: Overview
The clinical diagnosis of AD hinges on the presence of memory and other cognitive impairments. Biomarkers, such as changes in Aβ...
Drug Dosing: Geriatric Patients
Pharmacokinetics in Geriatric Patients: Effect of Age on Drug Absorption
Pharmacokinetics in Geriatric Patients: Effect of Age on Drug Excretion
Pharmacodynamics in Geriatric Patients: Effects of Age
Psychoneuroimmunology: Diabetes and Cancer

