Systemic therapies and cognitive impairment for breast cancer: an overview of the current literature

Med Oncol. 2017 May;34(5):74. doi: 10.1007/s12032-017-0935-0. Epub 2017 Mar 31.

Abstract

Both endocrine and chemotherapy can be utilized for breast cancer patients' management, in multiple setting (i.e., primary systemic therapy, adjuvant, metastatic treatment). Health-related quality of life in breast cancer survivors can be significantly influenced by cognitive impairment, which has been related in several previously reported experiences to systemic therapies administration. However, although the growing body of literature, the impact of both chemo- and endocrine therapy on cognitive function is currently unclear, due to many confounding factors (i.e., multiple therapies, duration of therapy, comorbidity, age). The aim of the present review is to present an overview of the current literature concerning the possible influence of endocrine and systemic therapy on breast cancer patients' cognitive impairment.

Keywords: Breast cancer; Cognitive impairment; Endocrine therapy; Quality of life; Systemic therapy.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Breast Neoplasms / psychology*
  • Breast Neoplasms / therapy*
  • Cognition Disorders / etiology*
  • Female
  • Humans