Candidate mechanisms for chemotherapy-induced cognitive changes. Review uri icon

Overview

abstract

  • The mechanism(s) for chemotherapy-induced cognitive changes are largely unknown; however, several candidate mechanisms have been identified. We suggest that shared genetic risk factors for the development of cancer and cognitive problems, including low-efficiency efflux pumps, deficits in DNA-repair mechanisms and/or a deregulated immune response, coupled with the effect of chemotherapy on these systems, might contribute to cognitive decline in patients after chemotherapy. Furthermore, the genetically modulated reduction of capacity for neural repair and neurotransmitter activity, as well as reduced antioxidant capacity associated with treatment-induced reduction in oestrogen and testosterone levels, might interact with these mechanisms and/or have independent effects on cognitive function.

publication date

  • March 1, 2007

Research

keywords

  • Antineoplastic Agents
  • Brain
  • Cognition Disorders

Identity

PubMed Central ID

  • PMC3329763

Scopus Document Identifier

  • 33847195328

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

  • 10.1038/nrc2073

PubMed ID

  • 17318212

Additional Document Info

volume

  • 7

issue

  • 3