Longitudinal Evolution of Cognitive Function in Colorectal and Breast Cancer Survivors Treated with (Neo)Adjuvant Chemotherapy.

Introduction & objectives: Advances in early diagnosis and treatment are improving the long-term survival of patients with cancer. Cancer-related cognitive impairment (CRCI) is often reported as a long-term chemotherapy sequel. Improving the knowledge of CRCI may help to prevent, manage and identify risk factors. Our main goal is to assess the cognitive function evolution and determine the potential influence of chemotherapy in neurological decline. Material and methods We designed a prospective and longitudinal study of a colorectal and breast cancer patient cohort (n=62) and we assessed cognitive function evolution using a battery of 11 neuropsychological tests at three time points: baseline, post chemotherapy and 6 months after finishing chemotherapy. Sociodemographic features, quality of life, anxiety and depression status were recorded as well as their interplay with cognitive evolution. Results At baseline, 14.5% of the patients had cognitive dysfunction. Older age, low level of education, colorectal cancer and comorbidities were associated to initial cognitive damage. A total of 61.9% of patients presented a decline of scores in 4 or more tests from baseline to post chemotherapy assessment. This percentage decreased to 24.4% in the late follow up evaluation, showing an intra-patient recovery after chemotherapy. Verbal and visual memory is the domain most affected. Conclusion Our data suggest that cognitive function of cancer patients treated with chemotherapy may subtly but transiently decline during treatment, with most patients recovering their cognitive function over time. Further research is needed in this field as CRCI continues to impact on quality of life and mental well-being.