title: Neurocognitive functioning and genetic variation in patients with primary brain tumours.
abstract: Impairment of neurocognitive functioning is a common result of cerebral neoplasms and treatment, although there is substantial heterogeneity in the pattern and severity of neurocognitive dysfunction across individuals and tumour types. The effects of many clinical and patient characteristics on neurocognitive functioning have been documented, but little research has been devoted to understanding the effect of genetic variation on neurocognitive outcomes in patients with brain tumours. This Review highlights preliminary evidence that suggests an association between various genes and risk of adverse neurocognitive outcomes in patients with brain tumours. Studies include genes specific to neuronal function, and those associated with more systemic cellular regulation. Related scientific literature in other disease populations is briefly discussed to indicate additional candidate genes. We consider methodological issues central to the study of neurocognitive functioning and genetic associations for patients with brain tumours, and emphasise the need for future research integrating novel investigative techniques.
authors.affiliation: Department of Neuro-Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA. Electronic address: jwefel@mdanderson.org.
authors.forename: Jeffrey S
authors.initials: JS
authors.lastname: Wefel
authors.affiliation: Department of Neuro-Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA.
authors.forename: Kyle R
authors.initials: KR
authors.lastname: Noll
authors.affiliation: Department of Pediatrics, Section of Hematology-Oncology, Dan L. Duncan Cancer Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA.
authors.forename: Michael E
authors.initials: ME
authors.lastname: Scheurer
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D001932:Brain Neoplasms / Q000235:genetics* / Q000503:physiopathology*; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D002648:Child; D003072:Cognition Disorders / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000235:genetics / Q000503:physiopathology*; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D020022:Genetic Predisposition to Disease / Q000453:epidemiology*; D014644:Genetic Variation; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009483:Neuropsychological Tests; D018570:Risk Assessment; D012737:Sex Factors