Role of Cytokines in Chemotherapy-related Cognitive Impairment of Breast Cancer Patients: A Systematic Review

Abstract

Background: Cognitive impairment is one of the most common problems experienced by patients receiving chemotherapy, and evidence suggests that cytokines might play an important role. Various studies were conducted to evaluate the role of cytokines in chemotherapy-related cognitive impairment (CRCI). However, the association between CRCI due to cytokines is not well-established. Thus, this systematic review aims to assess the role of cytokines in CRCI in breast cancer patients.

Methods: This systematic review was conducted according to the Preferred Reporting Item for Systematic Review and Meta-analysis (PRISMA) guidelines. An intense literature search was carried out for inclusion criteria in major databases, including PubMed and Clinicaltrials.gov, in August 2021. Studies assessing cognitive parameters through objective and subjective assessment in breast cancer patients receiving chemotherapy were included.

Results: A total of 4052 studies were identified, and 15 studies were included in this systematic review. We found that IL-6, IL-1β, and TNF-α were associated with varying degrees of cognitive impairment in breast cancer patients receiving chemotherapy.

Conclusion: This systematic review showed a correlation between various cytokines and chemotherapy- associated cognitive decline in breast cancer patients.

Keywords: Breast cancer; CRCI; chemotherapy; cognition; cytokines; interleukins.