Cognitive dysfunction and chemotherapy: neuropsychological findings in perspective.
Currently, the interest in cognitive functioning following chemotherapy is rapidly expanding as is reflected in a growing number of published studies on this topic. Although most studies are indicative of cognitive deficits after chemotherapy, definite conclusions on the role of chemotherapy on cognitive function can often not be drawn due to methodological problems. On the basis of the studies on cognitive functioning after chemotherapy that are conducted in The Netherlands Cancer Institute, the current article describes a number of such methodological topics that obscure straightforward interpretation of neuropsychological findings in toxicity research. Measurement issues that diverge from usual assessment issues encountered in psychosocial oncology will be described, and factors that might play a role in the cause of cognitive impairment will be evaluated. Also, future developments necessary to gain more insight into the prevalence, the pattern, and the impact of cognitive problems following chemotherapy are discussed
Schagen
Sanne B
SB
Department of Psychosocial Research and Epidemiology, The Netherlands Cancer Institute/Antoni van Leeuwenhoek Hospital, Amsterdam.
Muller
Martin J
MJ
Boogerd
Willem
W
Van Dam
Frits S A M
FS
D000971:Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000601:surgery; D002490:Central Nervous System / Q000187:drug effects*; D017024:Chemotherapy, Adjuvant / Q000009:adverse effects; D003072:Cognition Disorders / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology*; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D004334:Drug Administration Schedule; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D008408:Mastectomy / Q000379:methods; D009460:Neurologic Examination; D009483:Neuropsychological Tests; D011379:Prognosis; D018570:Risk Assessment; D012720:Severity of Illness Index