open access: PLoS ONE: Whole Brain Radiation-Induced Impairments in Learning and Memory Are Time-Sensitive and Reversible by Systemic Hypoxia

"Close to 1.6 million new cases of cancer [1] and 64,530 primary brain tumors are expected to be diagnosed in the United States in 2011 [2]. The most common form of treatment for metastatic or primary tumors located in brain regions that are difficult to surgically remove continues to be whole brain radiation therapy (WBRT) [3]. Although this treatment regimen is effective in eliminating tumors, damage to normal brain tissue is inevitable. Several studies have shown that cognitive deficits occur in a relatively large percentage of brain tumor survivors, becoming evident months to years after treatment [3]–[6]......"

abstract: Prevalence of Self-Reported Memory Problems in Adult Cancer Survivors: A National Cross-Sectional Study

Conclusion:
Cancer history independently predicted SRM impairment. Prevalence of SRM (self-reported memory) impairment in people with a history of cancer/cancer treatment is substantial and increasing. Health care providers should assess and be ready to treat memory impairment in patients with a history of cancer.

open access: JCO - “Doctor, Will the Treatment You Are Recommending Cause Chemobrain?”

"For more than a decade, patients and their oncologists have been sharing conversations about cognitive complaints after chemotherapy treatment.¹ Early on, only occasional patients complained of trouble with concentration and memory during treatment, with a minority noting persistence beyond the end of treatment. The oncologist, who rarely heard this complaint, could be dismissive, saying that the drugs the patient received did not cross the blood-brain barrier, and therefore, it was unlikely that the difficulties were related to the cancer treatment........."

Memory Impairment Common in People with a History of Cancer « AACR News

"He calls the condition “cancer related cognitive dysfunction,” suggesting that it goes beyond the “chemobrain” label that has been attached primarily to women treated with chemotherapy for their breast cancer who reported problems in cognitive function (e.g., attention and memory). “These memory issues can be related to treatment, such as chemotherapy, radiation, and hormone therapies, or to the tumor biology itself, which could change brain chemistry and neurobehavioral function,” said Jean-Pierre."

abstract: Predictors of self-reported memory problems in patients with ovarian cancer who have received chemotherapy

Note: 'chemobrain'

Purpose/Objectives: To examine the association between self-report of memory problems and the most commonly reported concurrent symptoms by women with ovarian cancer who have received chemotherapy.
Findings: Nine symptoms accounted for 37% of the variance of memory problems (controlling for time since chemotherapy and education level). Significant predictors of memory problems included fatigue, mood swings, numbness or tingling, and sleep disturbance. Mean scores for self-reported memory problems were significantly different for participants who received chemotherapy compared to those who had not....cont'd