Distinct cytokine profiles across trajectories of self-perceived cognitive impairment among early-stage breast cancer survivors

• Published in: Journal of neuroimmunology 2020-05, Vol.342, p.577196-577196, Article 577196
• Main Authors: Toh, Yi Long, Wang, Claire, Ho, Han Kiat, Chan, Alexandre
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Breast cancer; Cognitive impairment; Cytokines; Pro-inflammatory
• ISSN: 0165-5728; 1872-8421
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jneuroim.2020.577196

The aim of the current study is to identify distinct cytokine profiles in relation to self-perceived cognitive trajectories. In our study cohort (n = 128), early-stage breast cancer patients were categorized into no impairment reported, acute, delayed, persistent and intermittent cognitive decline respectively. Pro-inflammatory cytokines were elevated compared to baseline; with TNF-α implicated in the acute cognitive trajectory while IL-6 and IL-8 were involved in the persistent cognitive trajectory. Our findings help to further our understanding of cytokine profiles implicated in cancer-related cognitive impairment (CRCI) and support the use of cytokine levels as biomarkers of cognitive decline over time. The median cytokine levels are plotted along a logarithmic axis. Timepoint 1, 2, 3 and 4 refers to baseline assessment, approximately 6 weeks after chemotherapy initiation, approximately 12 weeks after chemotherapy and post-year follow-up after end of treatment respectively. Dashed lines indicate p-values for change of cytokine level across time points showed statistical significance (p