title: Neurocognitive impact of cranial radiation in adults with cancer: an update of recent findings.
abstract: Radiation to the brain is associated with adverse effects on cognition in cancer patients. Advances in technology have improved treatment efficacy, while new or adjuvant approaches continue to be developed. The long-term impact of both established and newer treatments on cognition is an active area of research.
  
  
  
  The article reviews the 15 studies published between January 2015 and October 2016 that include data on neurocognitive functions following radiation to the brain in adults with brain metastases, primary brain tumors, or other cancers. These studies examine neurocognitive outcomes in relation to radiation treatment delivery, pharmacological interventions, and biomarkers of brain injury.
  
  
  
  Advances in radiotherapy protocols have reduced neurotoxic side-effects. Implementation of standardized, validated neurocognitive measures and biomarkers of brain injury provide new insights into the impact of cranial radiation on cognitive functions. Several promising new lines of research will benefit from further study to address common challenges in the field, including high rates of attrition in longitudinal trials, absence of control groups, small sample sizes, and heterogeneous patient groups.
authors.affiliation: Department of Supportive Care, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre; Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada.
authors.forename: Kim
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Edelstein
authors.forename: Nadine M
authors.initials: NM
authors.lastname: Richard
authors.forename: Lori J
authors.initials: LJ
authors.lastname: Bernstein
mesh_terms: D015415:Biomarkers; D001921:Brain / Q000098:blood supply / Q000528:radiation effects*; D001932:Brain Neoplasms / Q000473:pathology / Q000532:radiotherapy*; D003072:Cognition Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology; D016371:Cranial Irradiation / Q000009:adverse effects*; D006624:Hippocampus / Q000528:radiation effects; D006801:Humans; D019965:Neurocognitive Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000209:etiology*; D016634:Radiosurgery / Q000379:methods
chemical_list: D015415:Biomarkers