Chemotherapy temporarily alters brain structure

NEW YORK, Nov 29 (Reuters) Chemotherapy causes transient changes in sensitive areas of the brain, which may partly account for some of the previously reported cognitive difficulties reported by patients and referred to as ''chemobrain,'' Japanese investigators report in the journal Cancer.

The nerve cell mechanisms responsible for cognitive impairments related to chemotherapy are not completely understood, Dr Masatoshi Inagaki, of the National Cancer Center Hospital East in Chiba and colleagues note in the report.

''Our study explored (brain differences) between breast cancer survivors exposed to...chemotherapy and those unexposed, using brain MRI,'' Inagaki told Reuters Health.

Among 105 women who participated in a 1-year study, 51 received chemotherapy and 54 did not. Among the 132 women in a 3-year study, 73 received chemotherapy and 59 did not.

Women treated with chemotherapy showed changes in a number of brain regions involving in mental functioning. Three years later, however, these differences were no longer apparent.

''These results lead to the idea that...chemotherapy could have a temporary effect on brain structure,'' Inagaki said.

In this study, the researcher added, ''comparisons of memory functions did not show significant differences'' between chemotherapy exposed and unexposed women. ''Even within 1 year from surgery, no clinical symptoms, including memory deficits, were observed,'' Inagaki said.

A more detailed study with more patients is needed to confirm the current results, Inagaki concluded. ''If confirmed, the results can provide new insights to future research to improve the quality of life of cancer patients receiving...chemotherapy.'' REUTERS AKJ KP0957