A meta-analysis of the sensitivity of various neuropsychological tests used to detect chemotherapy-induced cognitive impairment in patients with breast cancer.
OBJECTIVE
To identify which neuropsychological tests have been used to evaluate chemotherapy-induced impairment in various domains of cognitive function in patients with breast cancer and to determine the sensitivity of each of the tests through estimation of effect size.


METHODS
Original studies published from 1966-June 2006.


RESULTS
Although an array of neuropsychological tests are available to measure the various domains of cognitive function, information is lacking regarding the sensitivity and specificity of the tests to detect changes in cognitive function from chemotherapy.


CONCLUSIONS
This meta-analysis provides initial data on the sensitivity of some neuropsychological tests to determine chemotherapy-induced changes in cognitive function in patients with breast cancer.


CONCLUSIONS
The identification of sensitive neuro-psychological tests is crucial to further understanding of chemotherapy-induced cognitive impairments.
Jansen
Catherine E
CE
Department of Physiological Nursing, The University of California, San Francisco, USA. catherine.jansen@kp.org
Miaskowski
Christine A
CA
Dodd
Marilyn J
MJ
Dowling
Glenna A
GA
D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000009:adverse effects*; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000523:psychology; D003072:Cognition Disorders / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000175:diagnosis*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D009483:Neuropsychological Tests; D020258:Neurotoxicity Syndromes / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000209:etiology; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity
D000970:Antineoplastic Agents