The acute impact of chemotherapy on the cognitive and emotional domains and on quality of life of older cancer patients

Background There are data suggesting that chemotherapy may have a negative impact on cognitive function; on the other hand, aging itself causes changes in the cognitive domain. This area is commonly evaluated in the context of a comprehensive geriatric assessment by the Mini-mental state examination (MMS). Aim We conducted a pilot study to evaluate the acute effects of chemotherapy on cognition in elderly patients (age >70) affected by solid tumors and to evaluate its effect on quality of life and emotional domain. Methods Cognitive function was measured before chemotherapy start and at 12 weeks (or chemotherapy interruption, whichever occurred first) with a battery of neuropsychological tests administered to assess attention, learning and memory, language and reading , visuo-constructional ability, problem salving and general intelligence. Quality of life and the emotional domain were evaluated by the FACT-G questionnaire and the Geriatric Depression Scale, respectively. Results A total of 30 patients, median age 76 (range 70-82) are evaluable. Baseline values of the test are reported. Data on changes in test scores after chemotherapy, as well as impact of chemotherapy on emotion and quality of life will be presented. Conclusion These results will be the basis to design a more complete and adequately sized study.