Fulvia Di Iulio1, Luca Cravello2, Jacob Shofany1, Stefano Paolucci1, Carlo Caltagirone1,3, Giovanni Morone4. 1. IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia, Rome, Italy. 2. Centro Regionale Alzheimer ASST Rhodense, Passirana di Rho Hospital, Milan, Italy. 3. Università degli Studi di Roma Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy. 4. IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia, Rome, Italy. g.morone@hsantalucia.it.
Abstract
AIM: The objective of the present review was to systematically characterize the types of cognitive impairment that are found in different non-brain types of cancer as measured by objective and validated tests, and also to further examine depression and cognitive function in cancer patients and explore their available rehabilitation treatments. RESULTS: A total of 29 articles were reviewed. Most of these studies suggest that chemotherapy as well as the combination of chemotherapy and hormonal therapy can influence cognition in different types of cancer patients. Breast cancer patients appear to be the most affected in neuropsychological function, specifically in terms of cognitive impairment and reduced quality of life, as compared to other non-brain solid tumours. Overall, the most impaired functions were verbal ability, memory, executive function, and motor speed. CONCLUSION: Chemotherapy-related cognitive dysfunction remains under-recognized and undertreated. The various studies reported differing and non-homogenous findings with mixed results, obtained by self-reporting and web-assisted assessment, with other confounding factors such as age and depression during both cancer diagnosis and treatment. An objective neuropsychological assessment is fundamental to avoid underestimation of the extent of chemobrain. Self-reported and web-assisted assessment may ultimately result in confusion between the neuropsychological signs of chemobrain versus those of depression.
AIM: The objective of the present review was to systematically characterize the types of cognitive impairment that are found in different non-brain types of cancer as measured by objective and validated tests, and also to further examine depression and cognitive function in cancerpatients and explore their available rehabilitation treatments. RESULTS: A total of 29 articles were reviewed. Most of these studies suggest that chemotherapy as well as the combination of chemotherapy and hormonal therapy can influence cognition in different types of cancerpatients. Breast cancerpatients appear to be the most affected in neuropsychological function, specifically in terms of cognitive impairment and reduced quality of life, as compared to other non-brain solid tumours. Overall, the most impaired functions were verbal ability, memory, executive function, and motor speed. CONCLUSION: Chemotherapy-related cognitive dysfunction remains under-recognized and undertreated. The various studies reported differing and non-homogenous findings with mixed results, obtained by self-reporting and web-assisted assessment, with other confounding factors such as age and depression during both cancer diagnosis and treatment. An objective neuropsychological assessment is fundamental to avoid underestimation of the extent of chemobrain. Self-reported and web-assisted assessment may ultimately result in confusion between the neuropsychological signs of chemobrain versus those of depression.
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