Self-Reported Cancer-Related Cognitive Impairment in Patients With Breast Cancer Is Associated With Potassium Channel Gene Polymorphisms.

Abstract

To evaluate for associations of polymorphisms for potassium channel genes in patients with breast cancer who were classified as having high or low-moderate levels of cancer-related cognitive impairment (CRCI). 397 women who were scheduled to undergo surgery for breast cancer on one breast were recruited from breast care centers located in a comprehensive cancer center, two public hospitals, and four community practices. CRCI was assessed using the Attentional Function Index prior to and for six months after surgery. The attentional function classes were identified using growth mixture modeling. Differences between patients in the high versus low-moderate attentional function classes were evaluated. Six single nucleotide polymorphisms for potassium channel genes were associated with low-moderate class membership. The results contribute to knowledge of the mechanisms for CRCI. These findings may lead to the identification of high-risk patients and the development of novel therapeutics.