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Post-Chemo Cognitive Complaints from BC Survivors
J Clin Oncol; ePub 2016 Dec 28; Janelsins, et al
Breast cancer patients treated in a community clinic encountered more cognitive challenges after chemotherapy than did a group of people without cancer, according to a study involving 945 individuals.
Age-matched participants with (n=581) and without (n-364) breast cancer took the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Cognitive Function (FACT-Cog) before and after chemo, and at a 6-month follow-up visit. Among the results:
- Increased baseline anxiety, depression, and decreased cognitive reserve were significantly linked with lower FACT-Cog total scores.
- Treatment regimen, hormone, or radiation therapy was not significantly linked with FACT-Cog total scores in patients from postchemotherapy to 6-month follow-up.
- 45% of breast cancer patients reported clinically significant cognitive decline from pre- to post-chemotherapy, vs 10% of controls.
- 37% of breast cancer patients reported the same from prechemotherapy to 6-month follow-up, vs 14% of controls.
Janelsins M, Heckler C, Peppone L, et al. Cognitive complaints in survivors of breast cancer after chemotherapy compared with age-matched controls: An analysis from a nationwide, multicenter, prospective longitudinal study. [Published online ahead of print December 28, 2016]. J Clin Oncol. doi:10.1200/JCO.2016.68.5826 .