Abstract PO5-12-05: A Retrospective Study of the Rate of Cognitive Impairment and Influencing Factors during Postoperative Endocrine Therapy for Breast Cancer
Authors: Akari Murakami, Mayuko Aono, Kaho Utsunomiya, Kumiko Okujima, Kana Takemoto, Megumi Takaoka, Erina Kusakabe, Kana Taguchi, Kanako Nishiyama, Yoshiaki Kamei, Yasutsugu Takada, Hitoshi Tanimukai
Journal: Cancer Research (2024)

Abstract Background Although cancer-related cognitive impairment (CRCI) has been gradually recognized, general cognitive function tests such as the MMSE are not sensitive enough to diagnose CRCI. There is also a lack of evidence on the incidence and its response. However, even mild cognitive impairment can have a significant impact on quality of life. In this study, we retrospectively analyzed the prevalence of cognitive impairment in patients undergoing endocrine therapy at our hospital and the factors influencing the symptoms. Subjects 349 patients who continued single-agent postoperative endocrine therapy for at least 6 months between January 1 and October 31, 2022, and who responded to the cognitive dysfunction questionnaire at least once. Data from the cognitive dysfunction items of the endocrine therapy questionnaire administered during the period were used to retrospectively examine the CRCI awareness rate and factors involved. Results and Discussion The patients who were aware of cognitive dysfunction was 170, or 49% of all patients, and univariate analysis showed that age was significantly higher in the group with CRCI, but there were no significant differences in type of endocrine therapy or history of chemotherapy between the groups with and without CRCI. Physical symptoms such as menopausal symptoms (hot flashes and sweats), arthralgia, myalgia, fatigue, depressed mood, and malaise were significantly more frequent in patients with CRCI, which could be considered side effects of endocrine therapy. Risk factors such as low cognitive reserve, low level of education, advanced age, race, depression, fatigue, and anxiety have been reported in the past, and in this study, fatigue, depressed mood, and malaise were found significantly more frequently in patients with cognitive dysfunction. However, the diagnosis of depression and dementia may also be important.Non-pharmacological interventions, especially cognitive rehabilitation and exercise, are expected to be effective in improving symptoms, but there is no certain opinion yet. The limitation of this study is that it was a single-center, retrospective analysis. In addition, it was difficult to evaluate the results over time, including before the start of oral medication, so we are considering conducting a prospective data collection study so that comparisons can be made in the future. Conclusion: This study was a simple screening, based only on subjective symptoms. In recent years, postoperative endocrine therapy has been prolonged to 10 years, and there is a possibility to improve the quality of life of patients by recognizing the possibility of cognitive dysfunction in both providers and patients, and by taking measures that include multiple factors. Citation Format: Akari Murakami, Mayuko Aono, Kaho Utsunomiya, Kumiko Okujima, Kana Takemoto, Megumi Takaoka, Erina Kusakabe, Kana Taguchi, Kanako Nishiyama, Yoshiaki Kamei, Yasutsugu Takada, Hitoshi Tanimukai. A Retrospective Study of the Rate of Cognitive Impairment and Influencing Factors during Postoperative Endocrine Therapy for Breast Cancer [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2023 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2023 Dec 5-9; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2024;84(9 Suppl):Abstract nr PO5-12-05.