Decoding Chemobrain: Insights from Multi-omics Approaches
Munazza Ahmed1,2, Ruba A Zenati1,3, Shab M Alkhoujah1,2
1Research Institute for Medical and Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, Sharjah 27272, United Arab Emirates.
Current Neuropharmacology
|July 28, 2026
Summary
Chemotherapy-induced cognitive impairment (chemobrain) has biological roots in oxidative stress and neuroinflammation. Multi-omics studies reveal shared molecular disruptions, necessitating combination neuroprotective strategies for cancer survivors.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Genomics
- Proteomics
Background:
- Chemotherapy-induced cognitive impairment (chemobrain) affects cancer survivors, impacting memory, attention, and executive function.
- While initially attributed to psychological factors, evidence points to biological mechanisms like oxidative stress and neuroinflammation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review multi-omics evidence dissecting the molecular underpinnings of chemobrain.
- To identify shared and variable neurotoxic pathways across different chemotherapeutic agents.
Main Methods:
- Utilized multi-omics technologies (genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, metabolomics, lipidomics).
- Employed untargeted discovery and targeted validation workflows.
- Synthesized findings from preclinical and clinical studies.
Main Results:
- Convergent disruptions in mitochondrial function, neurotransmitter pathways, and inflammatory signaling were identified.
- Multi-omics data align molecular perturbations with observed behavioral deficits.
- Variability in findings is influenced by experimental design and tissue selection.
Conclusions:
- Chemobrain results from intertwined molecular insults, not a single pathway.
- Multi-omics profiling supports the need for combination neuroprotective therapies.
- Insights can inform biomarker discovery and precision medicine for chemobrain mitigation.
