The Nature and Severity of Cognitive Impairment Associated with Adjuvant Chemotherapy in Women with Breast Cancer: A Meta-Analysis of the Current Literature.

摘要: Abstract Objective Several studies have identified that adjuvant chemotherapy for breast cancer is associated with cognitive impairment; however, the magnitude of this impairment unclear. This study assessed severity and nature by conducting a meta-analysis published literature to date. Method Six (five cross-sectional one prospective) meeting inclusion criteria provided total 208 patients who had undergone chemotherapy, 122 control participants effect sizes (Cohen’s d ) falling into six domains. First, mean all within each domain was calculated (separately prospective studies); second, size in study; third, regression analyses were conducted determine any relationships between four different variables. Results For studies, domains (besides attention) showed small moderate (−0.18 −0.51). The (−0.07 −0.50) analysis detected significant negative logarithmic relationship ( R 2  = .63) time since last receiving chemotherapy. study, ranged from large (0.11–1.09) indicated improvements function beginning treatment 3 weeks even 1 year following treatment. Conclusion suggests occurs reliably women but depends on type design used (i.e., or prospective). Thus, more are required before definite conclusions about effects cognition can be made.