A comparison of the theory of unpleasant symptoms and the conceptual model of chemotherapy-related changes in cognitive function.
OBJECTIVE
To explore the use of the Theory of Unpleasant Symptoms (TUS) as a model for describing the symptom experience related to the cognitive impairment associated with standard-dose chemotherapy and compare and contrast that use of the TUS with the Conceptual Model of Chemotherapy-Related Changes in Cognitive Function.


METHODS
PubMed database.


RESULTS
Retrospective and prospective clinical trials have substantiated the incidence of mild to moderate cognitive impairment. Patients have reported a significant effect on quality of life. Associated factors may include age, anemia, fatigue, depression, anxiety, hormone levels, cytokine release, and genetic makeup. Establishing the appropriateness of a working model to describe the relationships would provide additional structure and focus for empirical research.


CONCLUSIONS
Both models have utility for describing the relationships of factors associated with chemotherapy-related cognitive impairment.


CONCLUSIONS
Blending of the TUS and the Conceptual Model of Chemotherapy-Related Changes in Cognitive Function may provide an enhanced framework for further research about the physiologic and psychological aspects of chemotherapy-related cognitive impairment.
Myers
Jamie S
JS
School of Nursing, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, USA. jamyers@swbell.net
D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000009:adverse effects*; D015400:Clinical Nursing Research; D003072:Cognition Disorders / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000523:psychology; D015897:Comorbidity; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D008960:Models, Psychological; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000451:nursing / Q000523:psychology*; D009859:Oncology Nursing; D010990:Pleasure-Pain Principle; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011788:Quality of Life; D012189:Retrospective Studies
D000970:Antineoplastic Agents