Abstract
IntroductionNowadays, more than 80% of newly diagnosed classical Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) patients can be cured and become long-term survivors due to risk and response-adapted treatment strategies. A well-known side effect is cognitive dysfunction that appears in HL patients after chemotherapy. In the present study, we aimed to measure cognitive dysfunction in our HL patients in this study and to find potential correlations between patient-related factors, the signs and symptoms of their diseases, or therapeutic factors.MethodsWe carried out a computer-assisted assessment (CANTAB) of cognitive dysfunction in 118 patients. We examined the domains of visual memory, attention, working memory, and planning.ResultsThe median age of 64 females and 54 males at diagnosis was 29 (13–74) and 41 (21–81) years at the completion of CANTAB. Fifty-two percent of all patients showed cognitive impairment. Attention was impaired in 35% of patients, the working memory and planning were impaired in 25%, while visual memory was affected in 22%. All the three functions showed a significant association with inactive employments status. A close correlation was found between visual memory/working memory and planning, higher age at HL diagnosis or the completion of CANTAB test, and disability pensioner status.DiscussionOur investigation suggests that patients with inactive employment status and older age require enhanced attention. Their cognitive function and quality of life can be improved if they return to work or, if it is not possible, they receive a cognitive training.
Highlights
Nowadays, more than 80% of newly diagnosed classical Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) patients can be cured and become long-term survivors due to risk and response-adapted treatment strategies
We examined the domains of visual memory (PAL, Delayed matching to sample (DMS), Spatial recognition memory (SRM)), functions of attention (IED, Reaction time (RTI), Rapid visual information processing (RVP), Pattern recognition memory (PRM)), working memory, and planning (SSP, Spatial working memory (SWM), Stockings of Cambridge (SOC))
We demonstrated significant reductions across a number of HRQOL domains in long-term HL survivors, which was related to neurocognitive impairment
Summary
More than 80% of newly diagnosed classical Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) patients can be cured and become long-term survivors due to risk and response-adapted treatment strategies. A close correlation was found between visual memory/ working memory and planning, higher age at HL diagnosis or the completion of CANTAB test, and disability pensioner status. Discussion Our investigation suggests that patients with inactive employment status and older age require enhanced attention. Their cognitive function and quality of life can be improved if they return to work or, if it is not possible, they receive a cognitive training. Cancer-related cognitive impairment (CRCI) is a common adverse effect experienced by patients during and after chemotherapy (chemobrain) for non-central nervous system cancer/lymphoma [5]. Our study aimed to measure cognitive dysfunction in our regularly followed-up HL patients, finding potential correlations between patient-related factors, specific signs and symptoms of their diseases, and therapeutic factors
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