Chemotherapy-Induced Cognitive Impairment: A Novel Prospective Study of the Cognitive Effects of Platinum Taxane-Based Chemotherapy in Ovarian Cancer Patients
Abstract
Rationale/Objective: Patients who receive chemotherapy for cancer often say that chemotherapy affects their brain function, which they call "chemobrain." Patients with "chemobrain" say they have trouble with memory, attention, and the ability to process information and organize their thoughts. Unfortunately, it has been reported that anywhere from 25% to 75% of patients receiving chemotherapy experience "chemobrain," and the cause for the disorder is unknown. The primary purpose of this research study is to determine the effects of chemotherapy on the brain in patients with who are receiving chemotherapy for ovarian cancer, while learning about the cause of "chemobrain." Relevance to Ovarian Cancer Research Program (OCRP) Vision/Mission: As treatments for cancer patients improve, more people are living with cancer. As a result, the number of patients with "chemobrain" is increasing and quite significant. For ovarian cancer alone, it has been estimated that nearly 200,000 women are living with the disease. Patients with "chemobrain" say symptoms can start during or after chemotherapy and can last for an unknown period of time after treatment is completed. Patients are able to survive the cancer only to discover changes in brain function that become a source of distress for the patient and their families. Patients experiencing brain changes related to chemotherapy describe being affected in all areas of life. These changes can affect relationships, the ability to return to work, and the ability to provide self-care. It has been reported that patients experience a decreased quality of life with the inability to carry out activities of daily living at their usual level with even mild cognitive impairments. Patients report that "chemobrain" is a significant survivorship issue. This project fulfills the mission of the OCRP by bringing an important issue of survivorship to the forefront of ovarian cancer research. This research will be conducted in a busy gynecologic oncology clinic by a trained gynecologic oncologist who is supported by a team of investigators including a neurologist, a chemist, a basic science cancer investigator, and imaging expert. Not only will this research attempt to improve quality of life for patients, it will also enhance the number of experienced and trained doctor-scientists performing ovarian cancer research. Impact on Ovarian Cancer Research: In the past, brain changes related to chemotherapy were attributed to anxiety, depression, stress, and fatigue, all of which can be associated with the diagnosis of cancer. More recently, it has been confirmed that patients who have undergone chemotherapy experience definite changes in their ability to think. Unfortunately, the cause for "chemobrain" is unknown, and very little research has been performed in gynecologic oncology patients. This research project will test the brain function of patients with ovarian cancer who are receiving six cycles of standard chemotherapy. Brain function will be tested before beginning chemotherapy and after six cycles chemotherapy. Patients will be tested in three ways: (1) pen and paper testing, (2) brain wave testing, and (3) imaging of the brain using a technique known as magnetic resonance imaging or MRI. In addition to the brain testing, the research study involves collecting blood for special testing to help find the cause of "chemobrain." To date, no research studies have included all of these different types of testing in one comprehensive clinical trial. This research will have a major impact on ovarian cancer research because it will help doctors understand the cause of "chemobrain" so they can find a way to prevent and cure this problem. Helping Ovarian Cancer Patients: The potential benefits of this new clinical trial for ovarian cancer patients are numerous. This research will bring awareness to the important survivorship issue known as "chemobrain." Results of this research will
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Mar 29, 2016
- Source ID
- W81XWH1510091
Entities
People
- Rachel Miller
Organizations
- United States Army
- University of Kentucky