Cancer-Related Cognitive Impairment or “Chemobrain:” Emerging Assessments, Treatments, and Targets for Intervention

AbstractPurpose of ReviewThis review is intended to provide a summary of the current literature on cancer-related cognitive impairment (CRCI) to support practitioners and researchers with the evaluation and management of patients with CRCI.Recent FindingsKnown discrepancies between objective findings and perceived cognitive impairment highlight the importance of utilizing both performance-based measures and self-report measures to identify cognitive problems impacting patients ’ quality of life and engagement in important roles and activities. Additionally, several potential contributing factors may initiate or exacerbate cognitive problems in patients with cancer, and warrant assessment and treatment to optimize functioning. Regardless of the etiology of CRCI, cognitiv e rehabilitation, CBT, and mindfulness-based interventions have the most evidence of effectiveness to date in improving perceived and objective CRCI. Many pharmacological therapies appear promising as well, but do not yet have convincing evidence of effectiveness.SummaryCRCI is highly prevalent, potentially disruptive to patients ’ quality of life, and the etiology is likely multifactorial. Further research is needed to fill the gaps of the current literature resulting from methodological challenges and limitations of current measurement tools.
Source: Current Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Reports - Category: Rehabilitation Source Type: research