Neuropsychological Function 20 Years After Adjuvant Chemotherapy for Breast Cancer

Negative effects on cognitive performance are persistent.

Although chemotherapy's acute negative effects on cognitive function are well known, long-term cognitive sequelae have not been as extensively studied. In a retrospective cohort study, Dutch investigators evaluated neuropsychological function and brain structure (assessed with magnetic resonance imaging) in 196 breast cancer survivors who received cyclophosphamide, methotrexate, and fluorouracil (CMF) between 1976 and 1995. The same parameters were assessed in a population-based reference group of 1509 women without known cancer. The women in the breast cancer cohort (mean age at entry, 64) had received diagnoses a mean of 21 years before enrollment.

Women previously exposed to CMF performed significantly worse than reference women on tests …

Reviewing Author

Andrew M. Kaunitz, MD

Disclosures

RoyaltiesUpToDate

Grant/Research SupportMerck, Mithra, Medicines360

Editorial BoardsContraception; Menopause; Contraceptive Technology Update; OBG Management; Medscape OB/GYN & Women’s Health

Andrew M. Kaunitz, MD

Disclosures

RoyaltiesUpToDate

Grant/Research SupportMerck, Mithra, Medicines360

Editorial BoardsContraception; Menopause; Contraceptive Technology Update; OBG Management; Medscape OB/GYN & Women’s Health

Neuropsychological Function 20 Years After Adjuvant Chemotherapy for Breast Cancer

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Reviewing Author