Abstract
PurposeCancer-related cognitive impairment (CRCI) is a recognised adverse consequence of cancer and its treatment. This study assessed the feasibility of collecting longitudinal data on cognition in patients with newly diagnosed, aggressive lymphoma undergoing standard therapy with curative intent via self-report, neuropsychological assessment, peripheral markers of inflammation and neuroimaging. An exploration and description of patterns of cancer-related cognitive impairment over the course of treatment and recovery was also explored. MethodsEligible participants completed repeated measures of cognition including self-report, neuropsychological assessment, blood cell–based inflammatory markers, and neuroimaging at three pre-specified time-points, Time 1 (T1) – pre-treatment (treatment naïve), Time 2 (T2) – mid-treatment, and Time 3 (T3) – six to eight weeks post-completion of treatment. ResultsOf 33 eligible participants, 30 (91%, 95% CI: 76%, 97%) were recruited over 10 months. The recruitment rate was 3 patients/month (95% CI: 2.0, 4.3 patients/month). Reasons for declining included feeling overwhelmed and rapid treatment commencement. Mean age was 57 years (SD=17 years) and 16/30 (53%) were male. Most patients (20/30, 67%) had diffuse large B cell lymphoma or Hodgkin lymphoma (4/30, 13%). The neuroimaging sub-study was optional, 11/30 participants (37%) were eligible to take part, and all agreed. Retention and compliance with all assessments was very high at all time-points. Only one patient was withdrawn from the study due to disease progression.ConclusionsFindings from this study demonstrate that it is feasible to longitudinally assess cognitive status and impairment in people with newly diagnosed aggressive lymphoma during their initial treatment and recovery and larger studies should be undertaken within other cancer groups.