Either Called “Chemobrain” or “Chemofog,” the Long-Term Chemotherapy-Induced Cognitive Decline in Cancer Survivors Is Real

Abstract Context In recent years, there is growing evidence in the medical literature to support an association between administration of commonly used chemotherapeutic agents and an increased risk for cognitive impairment. Objectives We herein critically summarize data relating to the pathophysiolo...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journal of pain and symptom management 2011, Vol.41 (1), p.126-139
Main Authors: Argyriou, Andreas A., MD, PhD, Assimakopoulos, Konstantinos, MD, PhD, Iconomou, Gregoris, PhD, Giannakopoulou, Fotini, MD, Kalofonos, Haralabos P., MD, PhD
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Anesthesia & Perioperative Care
Antineoplastic Agents - adverse effects
Antineoplastic Agents - therapeutic use
Biological and medical sciences
Cancer
Chemotherapy
Cognition Disorders - epidemiology
Cognition Disorders - etiology
Cognitive impairment
diagnosis
Drug Therapy - statistics & numerical data
Drug-Related Side Effects and Adverse Reactions - epidemiology
Drug-Related Side Effects and Adverse Reactions - etiology
Evidence-Based Medicine
Humans
Incidence
Interventions
Medical literature
Medical sciences
Neoplasms - complications
Neoplasms - drug therapy
Neoplasms - epidemiology
Pain Medicine
Pharmacology. Drug treatments
Quality of life
Risk Factors
Survivors
toxicities
treatment
Treatment Outcome
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Summary:Abstract Context In recent years, there is growing evidence in the medical literature to support an association between administration of commonly used chemotherapeutic agents and an increased risk for cognitive impairment. Objectives We herein critically summarize data relating to the pathophysiological mechanisms by which chemotherapy may induce cognitive impairment in patients surviving from solid tumors. The clinical and epidemiological characteristics and the proposed management strategies to counter chemotherapy-induced cognitive impairment (CICI) also are presented. Methods References for this review were identified by searches of PubMed from 1995 until December 2009 with related terms. Results Both the pathogenetic mechanisms and the overall clinical nature of CICI remain vaguely defined. Findings indicate that CICI is a relatively common event that, in most of the cases, remains underdiagnosed, thereby adversely affecting the quality of life of patients with cancer. Effective pharmacological interventions toward the symptomatic or prophylactic management of CICI also are lacking. Conclusion Either called “chemobrain” or “chemofog,” the long-term CICI in cancer survivors is real. The need for multidisciplinary care interventions toward a timely diagnosis and management of CICI is clearly warranted.
ISSN:0885-3924
1873-6513
DOI:10.1016/j.jpainsymman.2010.04.021