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Durán-Gómez N, López-Jurado CF, Nadal-Delgado M, Pérez-Civantos D, Guerrero-Martín J, Cáceres MC. Chemotherapy-Related Cognitive Impairment in Patients with Breast Cancer Based on Functional Assessment and NIRS Analysis. J Clin Med 2022; 11:jcm11092363. [PMID: 35566489 PMCID: PMC9100963 DOI: 10.3390/jcm11092363] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2022] [Revised: 04/03/2022] [Accepted: 04/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Chemotherapy-related cognitive impairment (CRCI), or “chemobrain,” isdefined as a phenomenon of cognitive deficits in cancer patients after chemotherapy and is characterized by deficits in areas of cognition, including memory, attention, speed of processing, and executive function, which seriously affect quality of life. The purpose of this study is to investigate the impact of CRCI in breast cancer (BC) patients in chemotherapy treatment (CT+) or not (CT−) and to analyze their relationship with detectable objective changes in cerebral activity during the execution of a phonological and semantic verbal fluency task (PVF and SVF). Methods: An observational, cross-sectional study was carried out at Badajoz University Hospital (Spain). A total of 180 women with BC were included. We used Cognitive Scale (FACT-Cog) for neuropsychological subjective assessment, obtaining scores of perceived cognitive impairment (PCI), and near-infrared spectroscopy system (NIRS) for neuropsychological objective assessment during a verbal fluency task (PVF and SVF), determining alterations in the prefrontal cortex (PFC) assessed as changes in regional saturation index (rSO2). Results: A total of 41.7% percent of the patients in the sample had PCI. CT+ was significantly associated with a worse impact in PCI (X¯ = 50.60 ± 15.64 vs. X¯ = 55.01 ± 12.10; p = 0.005). Average rSO2 decreased significantly in CT+ (X¯ = 63.30 ± 8.02 vs. X¯ = 67.98 ± 7.80; p < 0.001), and BC patients showed a significant decrease in PVF and SVF on average (X¯ = 41.99 ± 9.52 vs. X¯ = 47.03 ± 9.31, and X¯ = 33.43 ± 11.0 vs. X¯ = 36.14 ± 10.68, respectively; p < 0.001). Conclusions: Our findings suggest that cognitive impairments in the domain of executive functioning exist among patients with BC who received CT. The results corroborate the hypothesis that CT is an important factor in cognitive impairment in patients with BC, which has been demonstrated by both subjective (PCI) and objective (PVF, SVF, and rSO2) neuropsychological measures. The combination of doxorubicin, cyclophosphamide, and docetaxel induce cognitive impairment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noelia Durán-Gómez
- Departamento de Enfermería, Facultad de Medicina y Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad de Extremadura, 06006 Badajoz, Spain; (C.F.L.-J.); (J.G.-M.); (M.C.C.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +34-92-428-9466
| | - Casimiro Fermín López-Jurado
- Departamento de Enfermería, Facultad de Medicina y Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad de Extremadura, 06006 Badajoz, Spain; (C.F.L.-J.); (J.G.-M.); (M.C.C.)
| | | | - Demetrio Pérez-Civantos
- Facultad de Medicina y Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad de Extremadura, Hospital Universitario de Badajoz, 06006 Badajoz, Spain;
| | - Jorge Guerrero-Martín
- Departamento de Enfermería, Facultad de Medicina y Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad de Extremadura, 06006 Badajoz, Spain; (C.F.L.-J.); (J.G.-M.); (M.C.C.)
| | - Macarena C. Cáceres
- Departamento de Enfermería, Facultad de Medicina y Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad de Extremadura, 06006 Badajoz, Spain; (C.F.L.-J.); (J.G.-M.); (M.C.C.)
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Whittaker AL, George RP, O'Malley L. Prevalence of cognitive impairment following chemotherapy treatment for breast cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Sci Rep 2022; 12:2135. [PMID: 35136066 PMCID: PMC8826852 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-05682-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2021] [Accepted: 01/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer survival rates have markedly improved. Consequently, survivorship issues have received increased attention. One common sequel of treatment is chemotherapy-induced cognitive impairment (CICI). CICI causes a range of impairments that can have a significant negative impact on quality of life. Knowledge of the prevalence of this condition is required to inform survivorship plans, and ensure adequate resource allocation and support is available for sufferers, hence a systematic review of prevalence data was performed. Medline, Scopus, CINAHL and PSYCHInfo were searched for eligible studies which included prevalence data on CICI, as ascertained though the use of self-report, or neuropsychological tests. Methodological quality of included studies was assessed. Findings were synthesised narratively, with meta-analyses being used to calculate pooled prevalence when impairment was assessed by neuropsychological tests. The review included 52 studies. Time-points considered ranged from the chemotherapy treatment period to greater than 10 years after treatment cessation. Summary prevalence figures (across time-points) using self-report, short cognitive screening tools and neuropsychological test batteries were 44%, 16% and 21-34% respectively (very low GRADE evidence). Synthesised findings demonstrate that 1 in 3 breast cancer survivors may have clinically significant cognitive impairment. Prevalence is higher when self-report based on patient experience is considered. This review highlights a number of study design issues that may have contributed to the low certainty rating of the evidence. Future studies should take a more consistent approach to the criteria used to assess impairment. Larger studies are urgently needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra L Whittaker
- School of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, The University of Adelaide, Roseworthy Campus, Roseworthy, SA, 5371, Australia.
- Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK.
| | - Rebecca P George
- School of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, The University of Adelaide, Roseworthy Campus, Roseworthy, SA, 5371, Australia
| | - Lucy O'Malley
- Division of Dentistry, School of Medical Sciences, Manchester Academic Health Sciences Centre, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
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de Ruiter MB, Reneman L, Kieffer JM, Oldenburg HSA, Schagen SB. Brain White Matter Microstructure as a Risk Factor for Cognitive Decline After Chemotherapy for Breast Cancer. J Clin Oncol 2021; 39:3908-3917. [PMID: 34591652 DOI: 10.1200/jco.21.00627] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Cognitive decline is frequently observed after chemotherapy. As chemotherapy is associated with changes in brain white matter microstructure, we investigated whether white matter microstructure before chemotherapy is a risk factor for cognitive decline after chemotherapy. METHODS Neuropsychologic tests were administered before and 6 months (n = 49), 2 years (n = 32), and 3 years (n = 32) after chemotherapy in patients with breast cancer receiving anthracycline-based chemotherapy (BC + CT group), at matched intervals to patients with BC who did not receive systemic therapy (BC - CT group: n = 39, 23, and 19, respectively) and to no-cancer controls (NC group: n = 37, 29, and 28, respectively). Using multivariate normative comparison, we evaluated to what extent the cognitive profiles of patients deviated from those of controls. Fractional anisotropy (FA), derived from magnetic resonance diffusion tensor imaging, was used to measure white matter microstructure before treatment. FA was evaluated as a risk factor for cognitive decline, in addition to baseline age, fatigue, cognitive complaints, and premorbid intelligence quotient. We subsequently ran voxel-wise diffusion tensor imaging analyses to investigate white matter microstructure in specific nerve tracts. RESULTS Low FA independently predicted cognitive decline early (6 months, P = .013) and late (3 years, P < .001) after chemotherapy. FA did not predict cognitive decline in the BC - CT and NC groups. Voxel-wise analysis indicated involvement of white matter tracts essential for cognitive functioning. CONCLUSION Low FA may reflect low white matter reserve. This may be a risk factor for cognitive decline after chemotherapy for BC. If validated in future trials, identification of patients with low white matter reserve could improve patient care, for example, by facilitating targeted, early interventions or even by influencing choices of patients and doctors for receiving chemotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michiel B de Ruiter
- Division of Psychosocial Research and Epidemiology, Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Liesbeth Reneman
- Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, Location AMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Jacobien M Kieffer
- Division of Psychosocial Research and Epidemiology, Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Hester S A Oldenburg
- Department of Surgical Oncology, Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Sanne B Schagen
- Division of Psychosocial Research and Epidemiology, Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, the Netherlands.,Brain and Cognition, Department of Psychology, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
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Dias-Carvalho A, Ferreira M, Ferreira R, Bastos MDL, Sá SI, Capela JP, Carvalho F, Costa VM. Four decades of chemotherapy-induced cognitive dysfunction: comprehensive review of clinical, animal and in vitro studies, and insights of key initiating events. Arch Toxicol 2021; 96:11-78. [PMID: 34725718 DOI: 10.1007/s00204-021-03171-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2021] [Accepted: 09/23/2021] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
Cognitive dysfunction has been one of the most reported and studied adverse effects of cancer treatment, but, for many years, it was overlooked by the medical community. Nevertheless, the medical and scientific communities have now recognized that the cognitive deficits caused by chemotherapy have a strong impact on the morbidity of cancer treated patients. In fact, chemotherapy-induced cognitive dysfunction or 'chemobrain' (also named also chemofog) is at present a well-recognized effect of chemotherapy that could affect up to 78% of treated patients. Nonetheless, its underlying neurotoxic mechanism is still not fully elucidated. Therefore, this work aimed to provide a comprehensive review using PubMed as a database to assess the studies published on the field and, therefore, highlight the clinical manifestations of chemobrain and the putative neurotoxicity mechanisms.In the last two decades, a great number of papers was published on the topic, mainly with clinical observations. Chemotherapy-treated patients showed that the cognitive domains most often impaired were verbal memory, psychomotor function, visual memory, visuospatial and verbal learning, memory function and attention. Chemotherapy alters the brain's metabolism, white and grey matter and functional connectivity of brain areas. Several mechanisms have been proposed to cause chemobrain but increase of proinflammatory cytokines with oxidative stress seem more relevant, not excluding the action on neurotransmission and cellular death or impaired hippocampal neurogenesis. The interplay between these mechanisms and susceptible factors makes the clinical management of chemobrain even more difficult. New studies, mainly referring to the underlying mechanisms of chemobrain and protective measures, are important in the future, as it is expected that chemobrain will have more clinical impact in the coming years, since the number of cancer survivors is steadily increasing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Dias-Carvalho
- Associate Laboratory i4HB-Institute for Health and Bioeconomy, Laboratory of Toxicology, Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, 4050-313, Porto, Portugal. .,UCIBIO-Applied Molecular Biosciences Unit, Laboratory of Toxicology, Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, 4050-313, Porto, Portugal.
| | - Mariana Ferreira
- Associate Laboratory i4HB-Institute for Health and Bioeconomy, Laboratory of Toxicology, Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, 4050-313, Porto, Portugal.,UCIBIO-Applied Molecular Biosciences Unit, Laboratory of Toxicology, Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, 4050-313, Porto, Portugal.,LAQV/REQUIMTE, Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Rita Ferreira
- LAQV/REQUIMTE, Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Maria de Lourdes Bastos
- Associate Laboratory i4HB-Institute for Health and Bioeconomy, Laboratory of Toxicology, Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, 4050-313, Porto, Portugal.,UCIBIO-Applied Molecular Biosciences Unit, Laboratory of Toxicology, Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, 4050-313, Porto, Portugal
| | - Susana Isabel Sá
- Unit of Anatomy, Department of Biomedicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal.,Center for Health Technology and Services Research (CINTESIS), Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - João Paulo Capela
- Associate Laboratory i4HB-Institute for Health and Bioeconomy, Laboratory of Toxicology, Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, 4050-313, Porto, Portugal.,UCIBIO-Applied Molecular Biosciences Unit, Laboratory of Toxicology, Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, 4050-313, Porto, Portugal.,Faculdade de Ciências da Saúde, Universidade Fernando Pessoa, Porto, Portugal
| | - Félix Carvalho
- Associate Laboratory i4HB-Institute for Health and Bioeconomy, Laboratory of Toxicology, Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, 4050-313, Porto, Portugal.,UCIBIO-Applied Molecular Biosciences Unit, Laboratory of Toxicology, Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, 4050-313, Porto, Portugal
| | - Vera Marisa Costa
- Associate Laboratory i4HB-Institute for Health and Bioeconomy, Laboratory of Toxicology, Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, 4050-313, Porto, Portugal. .,UCIBIO-Applied Molecular Biosciences Unit, Laboratory of Toxicology, Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, 4050-313, Porto, Portugal.
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Shaw C, Baldwin A, Anderson C. Cognitive effects of chemotherapy: An integrative review. Eur J Oncol Nurs 2021; 54:102042. [PMID: 34607177 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejon.2021.102042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2021] [Revised: 09/21/2021] [Accepted: 09/26/2021] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE An estimated 18.1 million new cancer cases (excluding nonmelanoma skin cancers) were diagnosed worldwide in 2020. Despite a rising incidence of cancers worldwide, in developed countries with strong healthcare systems, survival rates are improving as a result of early detection, improved treatments and survivorship care (World Health Organisation (WHO), 2021). Whilst living longer, cancer survivors are often living with side effects of treatment, including chemotherapy related cognitive impairment, often termed "chemobrain". METHOD An integrative review of contemporary literature answering the research question how does chemotherapy affect cognitive function? was undertaken utilising three computerised databases CINAHL, Medline and PUBMED, between 2015 and 2021. Data was thematically analysed to identify themes within published literature. RESULTS Thematic analysis identified four broad themes within the literature regarding chemotherapy induced cognitive impairment. Identified themes included; cognition as part of a complex scenario, proof of existence and searching for the cause, learning to play the game and timing of cognitive impairment. CONCLUSIONS Aggressive treatment with chemotherapy in the adjuvant setting has drastically improved the survival of cancer patients. Subsequent to aggressive treatments, side effects such as cognitive impairment have presented, which may persist in the long term. Despite the exact aetiology of chemotherapy induced cognitive impairment being largely unknown, the consequences of the condition are impacting cancer survivors and their quality of life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carli Shaw
- Central Queensland University 538 Flinders Street, Townsville, Queensland, Australia, 4810.
| | - Adele Baldwin
- Central Queensland University 538 Flinders Street, Townsville, Queensland, Australia, 4810
| | - Carina Anderson
- Central Queensland University 538 Flinders Street, Townsville, Queensland, Australia, 4810; University of Southern Queensland, Ipswich Campus, 11 Salisbury Rd, Ipswich, Queensland, 4305, Australia
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Dijkshoorn ABC, van Stralen HE, Sloots M, Schagen SB, Visser-Meily JMA, Schepers VPM. Prevalence of cognitive impairment and change in patients with breast cancer: A systematic review of longitudinal studies. Psychooncology 2021; 30:635-648. [PMID: 33533166 PMCID: PMC8248098 DOI: 10.1002/pon.5623] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2020] [Accepted: 12/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Patients with breast cancer face cognitive impairment that affects their quality of life; partially attributable to treatment. Our aim was to detail the prevalence and change of cognitive impairment during the course of treatment. We also investigated the effect of therapy (chemotherapy [CT]) vs. radiotherapy and/or endocrine therapy vs. healthy controls). METHODS This article reviews longitudinal cohort studies published to date in Medline and Embase that (i) assess cognition before and after therapy, (ii) report prevalence cognitive impairment or change, and (iii) use standardized and valid neuropsychological tests. We used the original authors' criteria for cognitive impairment. RESULTS The title and abstract of 891 articles were screened, resulting in the identification of 90 potentially relevant articles while applying the eligibility criteria. After full-text examination, 17 studies were included. Prevalence of cognitive impairment range from 25% before therapy, through 24% after therapy to 21% at maximal 1-year follow-up (FU). Compared to their pretreatment cognitive functioning, 24% of patients decline after treatment and 24% at 1-year FU. Some studies also reported cognitive improvement showing that 15% and 31% of patients improve, respectively. In general, patients undergoing CT have a higher chance of cognitive impairment and decline than no-CT patients and healthy controls. CONCLUSIONS This study shows that one out of four breast cancer patients shows cognitive impairment prior to treatment administration CT and a significant number of patients decline during the course of disease, suggesting that cognitive impairment is not exclusively related to CT and/or no-CT therapies. This study shows that assessment of cognitive functioning, ideally over time, is crucial and may help the implementation of personalized rehabilitation pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aicha B C Dijkshoorn
- Department of Rehabilitation, Physical Therapy Science & Sports, UMC Utrecht Brain Center, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Haike E van Stralen
- Department of Rehabilitation, Physical Therapy Science & Sports, UMC Utrecht Brain Center, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Maurits Sloots
- Department of Rehabilitation, Physical Therapy Science & Sports, UMC Utrecht Brain Center, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Sanne B Schagen
- Department of Psychosocial Research and Epidemiology, Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.,Department of Psychology, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Johanna M A Visser-Meily
- Department of Rehabilitation, Physical Therapy Science & Sports, UMC Utrecht Brain Center, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands.,Center of Excellence for Rehabilitation Medicine, Brain Center Rudolf Magnus, University Medical Center Utrecht and De Hoogstraat Rehabilitation, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Vera P M Schepers
- Department of Rehabilitation, Physical Therapy Science & Sports, UMC Utrecht Brain Center, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands.,Center of Excellence for Rehabilitation Medicine, Brain Center Rudolf Magnus, University Medical Center Utrecht and De Hoogstraat Rehabilitation, Utrecht, The Netherlands
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Pathogenesis, Assessments, and Management of Chemotherapy-Related Cognitive Impairment (CRCI): An Updated Literature Review. JOURNAL OF ONCOLOGY 2020; 2020:3942439. [PMID: 32684930 PMCID: PMC7333028 DOI: 10.1155/2020/3942439] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2020] [Revised: 05/10/2020] [Accepted: 06/08/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
There are various cancer treatments at present, and chemotherapy is one of the main methods. Chemotherapy-related cognitive impairment (CRCI), as one of the side effects of chemotherapy, has gradually attracted the attention of more and more researchers. CRCI has been verified by subjective reports and objective neuropsychological tests so far. But oncologists' understanding of it and its treatments are still incomplete. In this review, we mainly give a comprehensive overview of the mechanism of CRCI, then describe a variety of evaluation methods, and finally summarize the treatment approaches under current medical conditions and compare it with an excellent article published in 2015 with the aim of providing directions for future research and better understanding of CRCI for clinicians.
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