e20566 Background: It is suggested that vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) induces neurogenesis in the brain and provides neuroprotectiveeffects. This study was designed to examine the relation between plasma VEGF level and cognitive functioning in breast cancer patients who have received chemotherapy. Methods: Early-stage breast cancer patients (stage I to III) who received anthracycline- and/or taxane-based chemotherapy were prospectively recruited at a single center. Perceived cognitive functioning (FACT-Cog) and computerized neuropsychological assessment (Headminder) were used to evaluate patients’ cognitive function at three time points: prior to chemotherapy (T1), at midpoint (T2), and end of chemotherapy (T3). Headminder evaluated four cognitive domains: Attention, Memory, Processing, and Response speed. Impairment in each domain were defined as a >2.5 reduction of the Z score from baseline, as calculated by the reliable change index for repeated cognitive measurements. Plasma VEGF levels were analyzed at each time point using the multiplex immunoassay. Spearman Correlation (rs) was utilized to correlate the change in plasma VEGF and neurocognitive functioning. Results: Thirty-six patients were recruited (median age: 51.5; Chinese: 80.6%; post-menopausal: 58.3%). Median plasma VEGF levels were T1: 19.2 pg/ml; T2: 26.5 pg/ml; T3: 21.9 pg/ml. Weak correlations were observed between the change in VEGF level and the change in FACT-Cog and Headminder scores for individual cognitive domain (Table). Conclusions: Results suggest a weak correlation between plasma VEGF level and cognitive functioning in the domains of attention, concentration, functional interferences, mental acuity and response speed. Larger sample size and longer follow up are required to further explore the findings. [Table: see text]
Breast Cancer Patients Resistant to Endocrine Therapy are Immunodeficient and Show Enhanced Transforming Growth Factor - Beta and Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor in Plasma
