Cognitive Effects of Endocrine Therapy in Patients with Breast Cancer

[Hopeful]

Abstract:

http://www.abstracts2view.com/sabcs1...u=SABCS10L_310

Poster:

http://www.abstracts2view.com/sabcs1...hp?nu=P5-11-16

Hopeful

[imdavidson]

Hopeful, this is very interesting. Several studies have looked at how estrogen protects brain cells. Even in the womb, estrogen is vital to developing a healthy brain.

So if estrogen is good for the brain, the question is, what happens when people go on anti-hormonal drugs that deplete their bodies of estrogen. This is a topic of study as well for my co-author (Dr. Silverman at UCLA). He was one of the first researchers to use brain imaging to study how chemotherapy with and without tamoxifen affected memory. He found that breast cancer survivors who had been on both chemo plus tamoxifen were more impaired in certain areas than others who had been on chemo alone.

It makes sense that the aromatase-inhibitor group in this study you posted would perform worse on cognitive tests than the tamoxifen group (specifically looking at attention) because AIs tend to be more potent than tamoxifen in blocking estrogen (tamoxifen works by blocking the uptake of estrogen into cancer cells but AIs stop the body from producing estrogen in the first place).

Thanks so much for the link. I've printed out this study and will save it.

[Jackie07]

Idelle has sent the following information to subscribers of 'Your brain after chemo':


Were you recently treated for breast cancer? Do you feel that you have problems with memory and concentration since your breast cancer treatments?

Purpose of study:

In this research study, the aim is to evaluate the effectiveness of a rehabilitation group intervention program for breast cancer survivors who are complaining of memory loss and concentration associated with cancer treatments.


What does the study involve?

Visits to UCLA -- if you choose to take part in the research study, we will ask you to come to UCLA for an initial baseline visit, then once a week for a 5-week group intervention. We will then ask you to return for 2 more follow-up visits: a week or two after the group intervention has ended, then 2 months later. The first visit will take about three hours, the group intervention visits are 2 hours each, and the follow-up visits will take approximately 2.5 hours each. You will be mailed a survey questionnaire to complete at your home before your baseline and follow-up visits.

Taking part in a procedure called quantitative electroencephalography (QEEG). An EEG is a test that measures the electrical activity of the brain. The purpose of QEEG is to determine whether or not we can detect EEG patterns associated with cognitive complaints after breast cancer. This procedure will be conducted at 3 time points in the study.

In this study, half of the women will be assigned by chance to participate immediately in the rehabilitation group intervention program and half will be assigned to a wait-list control group. This type of randomized study is necessary to scientifically prove that something is effective. The wait-list control group will also be able to participate in the group intervention, but not until after all the visits have been completed.

Project highlights

About 60 women will take part in the study
All visits will be held at UCLA and are free to study participants
Funding has been provided by the Breast Cancer Research Foundation

Who is conducting the study?

- Patricia Ganz, M.D., UCLA Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center
- Linda Ercoli, Ph.D., UCLA Semel Institute
- Steven Castellon, Ph.D., UCLA Semel Institute
- Andrew Leuchter, M.D., UCLA Semel Institute

For more information: (310) 825-2520

[imdavidson]

Jackie,

Thanks so much for posting this notice. Yes, they need 60 participants so I hope people will consider enrolling if they live in the L.A. area and have post-treatment memory or other cognitive issues.

[Jackie07]

Attention LA residents...

[Jackie07]

Thought the following book description and reviews are interesting (and might be related to the topic):

http://www.amazon.com/How-Changes-Yo...ref=pd_sim_b_1

[embur102]

Just one more reason why I wish I lived in Southern Cal.

My brain is going to be mush after chemo AND AIs. lol

[imdavidson]

Jackie, that book, "How God Changes Your Brain," sounds so interesting! I suspect it's more about the positive effects of being spiritual rather than religious and the authors are right about meditation. Studies really do show a positive correlation between meditating and a clearer mind. Glad to know about it, thanks!