Cognitive effects of cancer and its treatments at the intersection of aging: what do we know; what do we need to know?

ABSTRACT: There is a fairly consistent, albeit non-universal body of research documenting cognitive declines after cancer and its treatments. While few of these studies have included subjects aged 65 years and older, it is logical to expect that older patients are at risk of cognitive decline. Here, we use breast cancer as an exemplar disease for inquiry into the intersection of aging and cognitive effects of cancer and its therapies. There are a striking number of common underlying potential biological risks and pathways for the development of cancer, cancer-related cognitive declines, and aging processes, including the development of a frail phenotype. Candidate shared pathways include changes in hormonal milieu, inflammation, oxidative stress, DNA damage and compromised DNA repair, genetic suscep

SUBMITTER: Mandelblatt JS 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3880205 | biostudies-literature | 2013 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature