Chemotherapy on the Brain

Despite past concerns, a new study found no link between a type of chemotherapy and cognitive decline in breast cancer survivors.

That study, published in JAMA Oncology, assessed memory, function and processing speed in patients with breast cancer who received anthracycline chemotherapy at three months, six months, one year and around five years.

Compared to women who received another type of chemotherapy or no chemotherapy at all, cognitive function in women receiving anthracycline chemotherapy remained comparable, these UCLA Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center researchers found.

Although these findings are encouraging, the authors of this study noted that past research has shown conflicting results. Patients should speak with their doctor or pharmacist about the effects of any medication they take.

Information on funding sources and conflicts of interest was not available at the time of publication.