Cognitive functions and elderly cancer patients receiving anticancer treatment: a prospective study.
It has been reported that anticancer treatment may cause cognitive impairment. Elderly patients in particular could be at increased risk for treatment-related cognitive deterioration. A consecutive series of cancer out-patients >or=65 years old were prospectively assessed by means of a neuropsychological test Cambridge Cognitive Examination (CAMCOG) test at baseline, and after 3 and 6 months from study entry. Patients were categorized in three groups (group 1, no anticancer treatment; group 2, receiving chemotherapy; group 3, receiving endocrine therapy). Comprehensive geriatric assessment was performed at the three time points evaluation. Sixty-one patients were enrolled (32, 16 and 13, in groups 1, 2, and 3, respectively). At baseline, cognitive function was directly correlated to Activities of Daily Living (ADL) and Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADL) scores and was associated with higher educational level and absence of depression. Overall, cognitive function did not worsen across time in each group. However, more patients in the CT group showed worsening in memory skills, and more patients in the ET and CT group experienced reduction in the attention score.
Minisini
Alessandro M
AM
Department of Oncology, University Hospital of Udine, Ple SM della Misercordia, 33100 Udine, Italy. minisini.alessandro@aoud.sanita.fvg.it
De Faccio
Sara
S
Ermacora
Paola
P
Andreetta
Claudia
C
Fantinel
Rachele
R
Balestrieri
Matteo
M
Piga
Andrea
A
Puglisi
Fabio
F
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000009:adverse effects*; D003071:Cognition / Q000187:drug effects*; D003072:Cognition Disorders / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000453:epidemiology; D005260:Female; D015577:Geriatric Assessment; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy*; D009483:Neuropsychological Tests; D011446:Prospective Studies
D000970:Antineoplastic Agents