Chemotherapy causes cognitive impairment
The results of a large-scale meta-analysis conducted by specialists of the Moffitt Cancer Center showed that breast cancer chemotherapy is associated with the risk of moderate cognitive impairment after treatment.
As part of the study, experts conducted a search on 4 major medical databases: PubMed, PsycINFO, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature and Cochrane Library. The 2,751 abstracts of articles found were independently evaluated by two experts. After that, a meta-analysis was carried out, which consisted in comparing the results of 17 studies in which 807 patients who underwent standard courses of chemotherapy for breast cancer took part. The neuropsychological tests used in these studies were classified according to 8 cognitive parameters: attention, control functions, ability to process information, speed of movement, speech capabilities, verbal memory, visual memory and the ability to perceive the spatial relationship between objects in the field of vision.
The results showed that standard breast cancer chemotherapy is associated with small (on average) speech impairments, such as difficulties associated with the selection of the right word, and the ability to perceive the spatial relationship between objects in the field of vision. The authors also note that the severity of the negative effect of chemotherapy on cognitive functions varies significantly from patient to patient. So, some do not notice any changes, while others may have quite serious violations.
The authors believe that patients who have cognitive impairments after chemotherapy should consult neuropsychologists in order to assess the severity of the disorders and develop compensation strategies. This approach can significantly improve the quality of patients' daily life.
Article by H. S. L. Jim et al. Meta-Analysis of Cognitive Functioning in Breast Cancer Survivors Previously Treated With Standard-Dose Chemotherapy is published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology.
Evgeniya Ryabtseva
Portal "Eternal youth" http://vechnayamolodost.ru based on the materials of the Moffitt Cancer Center:
Large Review Finds Some Evidence for “Chemo Brain” in Breast Cancer Survivors, Moffitt Cancer Center Says.
Portal "Eternal youth" http://vechnayamolodost.ru13.09.2012