Chemotherapy and cognition: comprehensive review on doxorubicin-induced chemobrain

Cancer Chemother Pharmacol. 2019 Jul;84(1):1-14. doi: 10.1007/s00280-019-03827-0. Epub 2019 Apr 6.

Abstract

Chemobrain refers to a common sequela experienced by a substantial subset of cancer patients exposed to chemotherapeutic treatment, a phenomenon that dramatically deteriorates the survivors' quality of life and prevents them from restoring their pre-cancer life. This review is intended to address the current knowledge regarding the mechanisms underlying the pathophysiology of the chemobrain phenomenon, with special focus on the antineoplastic agent ''doxorubicin'', which has been shown to be implicated in strenuous central neurotoxicity despite being-almost entirely-peripherally confined. Moreover, the assessment of the post-chemotherapy cognitive impairment in both human and animal subjects, and the potential pharmacotherapy and behavioral intervention strategies are reviewed.

Keywords: Chemobrain; Doxorubicin; Hippocampus; Memory; Neuropsychological tests.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Antibiotics, Antineoplastic / administration & dosage
  • Antibiotics, Antineoplastic / adverse effects*
  • Brain / physiopathology
  • Cognition / drug effects
  • Cognition Disorders / chemically induced*
  • Cognition Disorders / physiopathology
  • Doxorubicin / administration & dosage
  • Doxorubicin / adverse effects*
  • Humans
  • Neoplasms / drug therapy
  • Quality of Life

Substances

  • Antibiotics, Antineoplastic
  • Doxorubicin