Clinical Patterns and Biological Correlates of Cognitive Dysfunction Associated with Cancer Therapy

Clinical Patterns and Biological Correlates of Cognitive Dysfunction Associated with Cancer Therapy -- Dietrich et al. 13 (12): 1285 -- The Oncologist

"Adult patients typically report cognitive symptoms, such as difficulties with memory and attention, soon after initiating treatment. Frequently, these symptoms persist after completion of therapy and are a cause of considerable distress for individuals who are unable to return to their previous academic, occupational, or social activities, or are able to do so only with significant additional mental effort. Long-term evaluation of cancer survivors has raised concerns that cancer and cancer therapy may result in persistent and late emerging cognitive dysfunction [25–27]. This observation has been supported by recent experimental studies. Both radiation and commonly used chemotherapy agents have been shown to cause acute and delayed injury to the CNS"