Cognitive adverse effects of chemotherapy in breast cancer patients.
OBJECTIVE
This article reviews the most recent literature on chemotherapy-associated cognitive changes in women with breast cancer.


RESULTS
Most cross-sectional studies reported neuropsychological impairment in patients treated with chemotherapy, but the prevalence was variable. Prospective studies documented cognitive dysfunction in subgroups of patients treated with chemotherapy, but other reports found no evidence of impairment. Studies using neuroimaging techniques and animal models have begun to examine structural and functional correlates of cognitive changes associated with chemotherapy.


CONCLUSIONS
Significant advances have been made in the study of chemotherapy-related cognitive dysfunction over the past 10 years. The investigation of additional factors that may contribute to cognitive outcome, such as the effects of treatments other than chemotherapy and genetic susceptibility, is likely to further advance the field.
Correa
Denise D
DD
Department of Neurology, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, New York 10022, USA.
Ahles
Tim A
TA
D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000523:psychology; D003072:Cognition Disorders / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000150:complications / Q000523:psychology; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012107:Research Design
D000970:Antineoplastic Agents