Prospective study of cognitive function (cog fcn) in women with early-stage breast cancer (ESBC): Predictors of cognitive decline.

Abstract

104 Background: Cog complaints are common among women receiving adjuvant therapy (Rx) for ESBC. Longitudinal prospective data is needed to help identify predictors of cog decline. We conducted a prospective trial to evaluate the effects of chemo- (CTX) and hormone therapy (HRx) on brain and cog fcn in pts with ESBC using multiple objective and subjective tests as well as MRI/PET imaging. Here we report evaluation of clinical characteristics that predict decline in cog fcn. Methods: Eligibility included female patients (pts) planning to receive adjuvant Rx for ESBC. Pts were enrolled in 3 Rx groups (grps): CTX, CTX and HRx, and HRx, with a 4th no Rx age/education matched control grp. All pts underwent a battery of objective and subjective cog tests before start of Rx, 1 mo after CTX or 5 mo after start of HRx (FU1), then 9 mo (FU2) and 18 mo (FU3) after CTX. Brain MRI, PET and serum estradiol (E) were performed at baseline, FU1 and FU2. Results: 81 pts were enrolled as follows, 14 CTX, 33 CTX and HRx, 22 HRx, 12 control. 90% completed FU1, 72% FU2, and 62% FU3, with 29 pts waiting to complete testing. Demographics were similar between grps, median age 54, 78% Caucasian. At each FU, ~25% of pts showed decline in cog fcn compared to the prior time point using a reliable change index; 51% showed decline at > 1 time point, primarily in tests measuring executive function and verbal memory. 62% of pts who declined from baseline to FU1 later stabilized or improved; 77% of pts who declined from FU1 to FU2 later stabilized or improved. Compared to controls, receipt of CTX and HRx (OR 3.15, p=.008), or HRx overall (OR 4.94, p=.004) but not serum E, menopausal status, or CTX, were significant predictors of decline at any time point. Rx group did not predict poorer perceived cog fcn (FACT-COG); depression and fatigue did not predict decline in objective cog fcn. Conclusions: Decline in cog fcn is common in pts receiving adjuvant Rx for ESBC. Predictors included CTX and HRx, or HRx overall but not other treatment and pt related factors. Ongoing HRx, particularly after CTX, appears to be a risk factor for worse cog fcn. Pts should be aware that HRx may be a risk factor for cog deficits, and intervention studies should be designed to focus on this group of pts. Funding: NIH R01 1AG025303-01A2. Clinical trial information: 00755313.