Chemobrain Is Real

September 22, 2010

Christian McEvoy, MPH, Director, CT Challenge Survivorship Center

I’m writing a quick note to and for any cancer survivor who has ever wondered if the “chemobrain” they experience is real or “just in their head.” Anecdotally, many survivors describe a “fog” or “chemobrain” after treatment. Commonly, these survivors describe symptoms as difficulties in concentrating, retaining short- and long-term memory, and a general mind malaise. Researchers published a review in the Journal of Pain and Symptom Management that asserts that “Chemobrain is….real.” The researchers reviewed other studies, and state in no uncertain terms that this is a highly prevalent condition, and unfortunately it too often goes undiagnosed.

The following video explains the chemobrain among breast cancer survivors, but I think it applicable across most survivors who receive chemotherapy. The video explains the issue very well.

CITATION:

Either Called "Chemobrain" or "Chemofog," the Long-Term Chemotherapy-Induced Cognitive Decline in Cancer Survivors Is Real.

J Pain Symptom Manage. 2010 Sep 9;

Authors: Argyriou AA, Assimakopoulos K, Iconomou G, Giannakopoulou F, Kalofonos HP

CONTEXT: In recent years, there is growing evidence in the medical literature to support an association between administration of commonly used chemotherapeutic agents and an increased risk for cognitive impairment. OBJECTIVES: We herein critically summarize data relating to the pathophysiological mechanisms by which chemotherapy may induce cognitive impairment in patients surviving from solid tumors. The clinical and epidemiological characteristics and the proposed management strategies to counter chemotherapy-induced cognitive impairment (CICI) are also presented. METHODS: References for this review were identified by searches of PubMed from 1995 until December 2009 with related terms. RESULTS: Both the pathogenetic mechanisms and the overall clinical nature of CICIÂ remain vaguely defined. Findings indicate that CICI is a relatively common event that, in most of the cases, remains underdiagnosed, thereby adversely affecting the quality of life of patients with cancer. Effective pharmacological interventions toward the symptomatic or prophylactic management of CICI are also lacking. CONCLUSIONS: Either called "chemobrain" or "chemofog," the long-term CICI in cancer survivors is real. The need for multidisciplinary care interventions toward a timely diagnosis and management of CICI is clearly warranted.

PMID: 20832978 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]