Late Cognitive and Brain Changes After Breast Cancer Therapy
Creators: name: University Of California Office Of The President
Publisher: name: University of California Office of the President
publisherIdentifier: https://ror.org/00dmfq477
publisherIdentifierScheme: ROR
Year: 2024

description: There are 2 million survivors of breast cancer in the US, and many of these patients remain at risk for psychological and medical sequelae of the chemotherapy and/or hormonal therapy used for cancer treatment. Although breast cancer patients who receive chemotherapy as part of their treatment frequently complain of memory and concentration problems, even years after completion of therapy, few studies have systematically investigated these changes. Recent work suggests that increased neurocognitive deficits may occur in women treated with high-dose or standard-dose post-operative chemotherapy for breast cancer. The proposed study will evaluate a priority issue of the CBCRP, behavioral and psychological factors associated with treatment and long-term survival, by addressing the etiology of the long-term cognitive effects of adjuvant therapy. 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 We suspect that administration of chemotherapy and/or antiestrogen therapy will result in long-term deficits in memory, attention and concentration in significant numbers of breast cancer patients. These treatment-induced changes in thinking processes will likely be due to alteration of specific parts of the brain that regulate these higher functions. Future efforts to prevent or reduce cognitive deficits will require an understanding of the potential causes of these changes in affected patients. Further, alterations in the brain function of breast cancer patients after chemotherapy and/or hormonal therapy may also affect their emotional status and quality of life.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 A current IDEA award has allowed enrollment of a significant number of breast cancer patients in a study designed to assess the behavioral affects of adjuvant chemotherapy and hormonal therapy. These patients underwent a comprehensive behavioral battery of tests prior to treatment and now are returning for post-treatment re-evaluations 9 months later. The proposed STEP award will continue post-treatment neurocognitive evaluations of breast cancer patients and controls at about 24 months and assess the relation of post-treatment deficits in memory or concentration to specific changes in brain structure as identified by neuroimaging studies. Additional correlation of findings with blood estrogen and FSH levels and with red blood cell levels will also be done.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 This is a unique study designed to assess changes in brain structure and in cognitive functions in patients as evaluated before and 24 months after the administration of chemotherapy, antiestrogens or both treatments for the management of newly diagnosed breast cancer. Many patients now survive breast cancer and live long periods of time after treatment. We hope that better understanding of the nature and underlying causes of neuropsychological alterations after adjuvant medical therapy will lead to better treatment and improved quality of life for patients afflicted by breast cancer.