The Association of Serum Inflammatory Markers and Self-Reported Cognitive Outcomes in Women With Breast Cancer Undergoing Chemotherapy

Abstract

ObjectivesChemotherapy-induced neuroinflammation may contribute to cognitive dysfunction. Previously we found that serum omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids were associated with inflammatory markers in a cohort of 60 women undergoing chemotherapy for breast cancer. The objective of this project was to determine if serum inflammatory markers were correlated with self-reported cognitive assessments in these women. MethodsSerum samples and data on self-reported cognitive function were collected from 60 women undergoing adjuvant chemotherapy for breast cancer at baseline, the fourth cycle of chemotherapy (C4), and 6 months after chemotherapy (6M). Serum inflammatory markers were analyzed using multiplex enzyme-linked immunoassay. Spearman’s rank correlation was used to quantify the association between inflammatory markers and the Multifactorial Memory Questionnaire (MMQ) scores at baseline (n = 25), C4 (n = 18), and 6M (n = 18), as well as the Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function–Adult Version (BRIEF-A) scores at baseline (n = 24), C4 (n = 18), and 6M (n = 16). ResultsBetter MMQ scores were significantly correlated with lower interleukin-1β (IL-1β) at baseline, higher tumor necrosis factor alpha-receptor II (TNF-RII) at C4, and higher Interleukin 8 (IL-8) at 6M. In addition, improvements in MMQ results were correlated with decreases in IL-1β from baseline to 6M (p < 0.05 for all). Better BRIEF-A scores were significantly correlated with lower IL-1β at baseline and higher TNF-RII at C4. Improvements in BRIEF-A scores were correlated with increases in TNF-RII from baseline to C4, and with increases in interleukin 6, IL-8, and TNFRII from baseline to 6M (p < 0.05 for all). ConclusionsOverall, lower serum IL-1β and higher TNF-RII and IL-8 were associated with better self-reported cognitive function in women with breast cancer undergoing chemotherapy. Future research will examine associations of fatty acid biomarkers and cognitive function. Funding SourcesOhio State University Stephanie Spielman Breast Cancer Center Kroger Fund.