CE Workshop 07: Cognitive Effects of Cancer and Treatment: “Chemobrain” and Beyond

Abstract

Abstract & Learning Objectives:Improvements in treatment for non-CNS cancer have greatly improved survivorship, allowing increased attention to cancer- and treatment-related sequelae. Cognitive symptoms (cancer-related cognitive impairment, or CRCI) are reported by a large percentage of cancer survivors, and can have a clinically meaningful impact on educational, vocational, and social functioning, and thus overall quality of life. Better understanding of these concerns is therefore of critical importance, and is needed to guide treatment and potential prevention strategies. Neuropsychological studies over the past 40 years have demonstrated cognitive domains commonly affected in cancer patients treated with chemotherapy, but have also shown cognitive differences in patients not treated with systemic therapy and those receiving other types of treatment (e.g., hormonal therapies) relative to non-cancer control groups. More recently, structural and functional neuroimaging research has added to our understanding of the neural substrate of these cognitive symptoms. This course will describe various neuroimaging modalities used to investigate CRCI, including examination of grey and white matter volume and structural integrity, blood flow, brain activation during cognitive processing and at rest, and structural and functional connectivity. The presentation will also review how neuroimaging findings relate to objective and self-reported cognition and clinical and treatment factors, and discuss potential approaches currently being investigated to treat CRCI. Upon conclusion of this course, learners will be able to:1.Explain commonly affected cognitive domains after non-CNS cancer and treatment2.Discuss structural and functional brain changes related to cancer, chemotherapy, and other treatments3.Describe treatment interventions being investigated to treat cancer- and treatment-related cognitive symptoms.