CHEMOTHERAPY-ASSOCIATED COGNITIVE CHANGES IN ASIAN BREAST CANCER PATIENTS

Abstract

While chemotherapy has rendered excellent prognosis in the treatment of early-stage (Stages I to IIIA) breast cancer, it can also elicit harmful adverse effects. Chemotherapy-associated cognitive impairment, commonly termed as ?chemobrain? or ?chemofog?, refers to subtle cognitive changes that breast cancer patients experience after the receipt of chemotherapy. The reported prevalence of ?chemobrain? has been inconsistent in the literature. Notably, there is a paucity of cognitive research performed on Asian breast cancer patients. The determinants of these observed cognitive changes are also not well ascertained.

By adopting epidemiological and translational research methodologies, this thesis aimed to evaluate the prevalence and severity of chemotherapy-associated cognitive changes in Asian early-stage breast cancer patients, and to identify the clinical, psychosocial, pharmacological and biological determinants of this phenomenon. The findings presented in this thesis can be utilised by oncology practitioners to identify at-risk patients who may potentially benefit from future interventional strategies.