Neurocognitive Function in Adult Cancer Patients

Neurol Clin. 2018 Aug;36(3):653-674. doi: 10.1016/j.ncl.2018.04.014.

Abstract

Impaired neurocognitive function is an increasingly recognized morbidity in patients who have cancer. Cancer treatments, psychosocial stressors, and the malignancy itself can alter brain function. The mechanisms by which this occurs are under active investigation. Although there is a growing appreciation of its prevalence and causes, there remain limited therapeutic options for the treatment of neurocognitive dysfunction in this population. A persistent scientific and clinical effort to understand its mechanisms and impact is critical to the care of oncology patients.

Keywords: Behavioral oncology; Chemotherapy; Cognition; Complications of therapy; Neurotoxicity; Radiation therapy.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Cognition Disorders / epidemiology
  • Cognition Disorders / etiology*
  • Cognition Disorders / therapy
  • Humans
  • Neoplasms / complications*
  • Prevalence