Relationships between cytokines and cognitive function from pre- to post-chemotherapy in patients with breast cancer

J Neuroimmunol. 2022 Jan 15:362:577769. doi: 10.1016/j.jneuroim.2021.577769. Epub 2021 Nov 19.

Abstract

Cancer-related cognitive decline (CRCD) is a clinically important problem and negatively affects daily functioning and quality of life. We conducted a pilot longitudinal study from pre- to post-chemotherapy in patients with breast cancer to assess changes in inflammation and cognition over time, as well as the impact of baseline cytokine level on post-chemotherapy cognitive scores. We found that concentrations of IL-6, MCP-1, sTNFRI, and sTNFRII significantly increased in patients, while IL-1β significantly decreased (p < 0.05). After controlling for covariates, increases in IL-6 and MCP-1 were associated with worse executive function and verbal fluency in patients from pre- to post-chemotherapy (p < 0.05). Higher baseline IL-6 was associated with better performance on executive function and verbal fluency post chemotherapy (p < 0.05). Overall, these results suggest that chemotherapy-associated increases in cytokines/receptors is associated with worse cognitive function. Larger studies are needed to confirm these findings.

Keywords: Cancer-related cognitive decline (CRCD); Chemotherapy; Cognition; Cytokines; cancer.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Antineoplastic Agents / adverse effects*
  • Breast Neoplasms / drug therapy*
  • Cognitive Dysfunction / chemically induced*
  • Cognitive Dysfunction / immunology*
  • Cohort Studies
  • Cytokines / blood
  • Cytokines / immunology*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Inflammation / chemically induced
  • Inflammation / immunology
  • Longitudinal Studies
  • Middle Aged
  • Pilot Projects

Substances

  • Antineoplastic Agents
  • Cytokines