Cancer-Related Cognitive Impairments (CRCIs) in Non-Central Nervous System Adult Patients: Outcome Measures and Methodology of Assessment: A Literature Review

Background: Cancer-related cognitive impairment (CRCI) represents one of the most common and debilitating effects in patients surviving after cancer treatments. Neurocognitive deficits are important causes of disability and burden in cancer survivors. The true magnitude of CRCI is difficult to defin...

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Main Authors: Andrea Pace, Antonio Tanzilli, Enrico Marchioni, Alessia Pellerino, Antonino Carmelo Tralongo, Paola Bini, Paolo Tralongo, Stefano Francesco Cappa
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: MDPI AG 2024-11-01
Series:Brain Sciences
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Online Access:https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3425/14/11/1119
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author Andrea Pace
Antonio Tanzilli
Enrico Marchioni
Alessia Pellerino
Antonino Carmelo Tralongo
Paola Bini
Paolo Tralongo
Stefano Francesco Cappa
author_facet Andrea Pace
Antonio Tanzilli
Enrico Marchioni
Alessia Pellerino
Antonino Carmelo Tralongo
Paola Bini
Paolo Tralongo
Stefano Francesco Cappa
author_sort Andrea Pace
collection DOAJ
description Background: Cancer-related cognitive impairment (CRCI) represents one of the most common and debilitating effects in patients surviving after cancer treatments. Neurocognitive deficits are important causes of disability and burden in cancer survivors. The true magnitude of CRCI is difficult to define due to significant heterogeneity of literature data. At present, there is no agreement on the gold standard for detection and grading of CRCI in clinical trials, and there is a lack of clear knowledge of its pathophysiology. Objectives: In this review, we aim to discuss some perspectives for future research to pursue in order to cover the gaps in knowledge in the CRCI field. Methods: We focused our literature research on the following relevant issues: neuroradiological correlates of CRCI; objective neuropsychological evaluation and subjective complaint assessment and their correlation with objective measures; timing of assessment; and possible treatments. Results: The correct methodology for evaluating cognitive deficits induced by anti-tumor treatments still requires a definition based on quality scientific evidence, and literature data are currently scarce. Conclusions: This review highlights the need for further research to understand the causes and consequences of cancer-related cognitive impairment using standardized and sensitive measures of cognitive functions and the long-term effects of chemotherapy on cognitive functions and to develop effective interventions.
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spelling doaj-art-55ef09d00aac422484959c2b984ca8592025-08-20T01:53:49ZengMDPI AGBrain Sciences2076-34252024-11-011411111910.3390/brainsci14111119Cancer-Related Cognitive Impairments (CRCIs) in Non-Central Nervous System Adult Patients: Outcome Measures and Methodology of Assessment: A Literature ReviewAndrea Pace0Antonio Tanzilli1Enrico Marchioni2Alessia Pellerino3Antonino Carmelo Tralongo4Paola Bini5Paolo Tralongo6Stefano Francesco Cappa7IRCCS—Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, 00144 Rome, ItalyIRCCS—Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, 00144 Rome, ItalyIRCCS Mondino Foundation—National Neurological Institute, 27100 Pavia, ItalyDivision of Neuro-Oncology, Department of Neuroscience, University and City of Health and Science Hospital, 10126 Torino, ItalyStruttura Complessa di Oncologia Medica, Ospedale Umberto I, Dipartimento di Oncologia ASP Siracusa, 96100 Siracusa, ItalyIRCCS Mondino Foundation—National Neurological Institute, 27100 Pavia, ItalyStruttura Complessa di Oncologia Medica, Ospedale Umberto I, Dipartimento di Oncologia ASP Siracusa, 96100 Siracusa, ItalyDepartment of Human and Life Sciences, University School for Advanced Studies (IUSS), 27100 Pavia, ItalyBackground: Cancer-related cognitive impairment (CRCI) represents one of the most common and debilitating effects in patients surviving after cancer treatments. Neurocognitive deficits are important causes of disability and burden in cancer survivors. The true magnitude of CRCI is difficult to define due to significant heterogeneity of literature data. At present, there is no agreement on the gold standard for detection and grading of CRCI in clinical trials, and there is a lack of clear knowledge of its pathophysiology. Objectives: In this review, we aim to discuss some perspectives for future research to pursue in order to cover the gaps in knowledge in the CRCI field. Methods: We focused our literature research on the following relevant issues: neuroradiological correlates of CRCI; objective neuropsychological evaluation and subjective complaint assessment and their correlation with objective measures; timing of assessment; and possible treatments. Results: The correct methodology for evaluating cognitive deficits induced by anti-tumor treatments still requires a definition based on quality scientific evidence, and literature data are currently scarce. Conclusions: This review highlights the need for further research to understand the causes and consequences of cancer-related cognitive impairment using standardized and sensitive measures of cognitive functions and the long-term effects of chemotherapy on cognitive functions and to develop effective interventions.https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3425/14/11/1119cognitive deficitsurvivorshipneurotoxicitychemobrain
spellingShingle Andrea Pace
Antonio Tanzilli
Enrico Marchioni
Alessia Pellerino
Antonino Carmelo Tralongo
Paola Bini
Paolo Tralongo
Stefano Francesco Cappa
Cancer-Related Cognitive Impairments (CRCIs) in Non-Central Nervous System Adult Patients: Outcome Measures and Methodology of Assessment: A Literature Review
Brain Sciences
cognitive deficit
survivorship
neurotoxicity
chemobrain
title Cancer-Related Cognitive Impairments (CRCIs) in Non-Central Nervous System Adult Patients: Outcome Measures and Methodology of Assessment: A Literature Review
title_full Cancer-Related Cognitive Impairments (CRCIs) in Non-Central Nervous System Adult Patients: Outcome Measures and Methodology of Assessment: A Literature Review
title_fullStr Cancer-Related Cognitive Impairments (CRCIs) in Non-Central Nervous System Adult Patients: Outcome Measures and Methodology of Assessment: A Literature Review
title_full_unstemmed Cancer-Related Cognitive Impairments (CRCIs) in Non-Central Nervous System Adult Patients: Outcome Measures and Methodology of Assessment: A Literature Review
title_short Cancer-Related Cognitive Impairments (CRCIs) in Non-Central Nervous System Adult Patients: Outcome Measures and Methodology of Assessment: A Literature Review
title_sort cancer related cognitive impairments crcis in non central nervous system adult patients outcome measures and methodology of assessment a literature review
topic cognitive deficit
survivorship
neurotoxicity
chemobrain
url https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3425/14/11/1119
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