Measurement, outcomes and interventions of cognitive function after breast cancer treatment: A narrative review

Asia Pac J Clin Oncol. 2021 Aug;17(4):321-329. doi: 10.1111/ajco.13484. Epub 2020 Oct 20.

Abstract

Cancer-related cognitive impairment (CRCI) is a common complaint in breast cancer patients, especially related to chemotherapy. It is characterized as cognitive disorders in areas of memory, attention and executive function, which can negatively affect patients' quality of life and their ability to work. While various assessment methods of CRCI cause highly diverse results in CRCI-related studies. Currently, it is not clear how cerebral structure and function change in breast cancer patients and underlying mechanisms of developing CRCI are still undefined. Intervention research is limited. This article reviews the results of CRCI-related studies and research progress and discusses the advantages and limits of various methods. Besides, the mechanisms and intervention strategies are reviewed.

Keywords: assessment methods; breast cancer; cognitive impairment; intervention; mechanism.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Breast Neoplasms* / drug therapy
  • Cognition
  • Cognitive Dysfunction* / chemically induced
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Quality of Life