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The Impact of Endocrine Therapy on Cognitive Functions of Breast Cancer Patients: A Systematic Review

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Abstract

Background and Objective

The purpose of the present review was to study the impact of endocrine therapy (ET) on the cognitive outcomes of breast cancer patients.

Materials and Methods

We systematically searched the literature using the MEDLINE (1966–2015), Scopus (2004–2015), ClinicalTrials.gov (2008–2015) and Cochrane Central Register (CENTRAL) databases, as well as the references of the electronically retrieved articles.

Results

Twelve studies were included in the present systematic review, which assessed the cognitive function of 2756 patients. Among these patients, 2381 received ET, whereas the remaining 375 served as controls (placebo or no therapy). The majority of patients were postmenopausal, and the minimum follow-up period was 3 months and the maximum 2 years. Treatment with ET seems to be accompanied by altered cognitive abilities, including verbal memory, verbal fluency, motor speed, attention and working memory. Tamoxifen seems to be related to decreased cognitive performances compared with treatment with an aromatase inhibitor.

Conclusions

ET among breast cancer patients seems to negatively alter the cognitive outcomes of breast cancer patients. However, the methodological heterogeneity of the included studies, as well as the relatively small follow-up period, render imperative the conduct of further studies in the field.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Laboratory of Experimental Surgery and Surgical Research N.S. Christeas, University of Athens, Athens, Greece

    Ioannis Bakoyiannis, Eleousa-Alexandra Tsigka, Despina Perrea & Vasilios Pergialiotis

  2. 6, Danaidon Str., 15232, Halandri, Greece

    Vasilios Pergialiotis

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  1. Ioannis Bakoyiannis
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  2. Eleousa-Alexandra Tsigka
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  3. Despina Perrea
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  4. Vasilios Pergialiotis
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Correspondence to Vasilios Pergialiotis.

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No sources of funding were used to conduct this systematic review.

Conflict of interest

Ioannis Bakoyiannis, Eleousa-Alexandra Tsigka, Despina Perrea, and Vasilios Pergialiotis have no conflicts of interest to declare.

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Bakoyiannis, I., Tsigka, EA., Perrea, D. et al. The Impact of Endocrine Therapy on Cognitive Functions of Breast Cancer Patients: A Systematic Review. Clin Drug Investig 36, 109–118 (2016). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40261-015-0364-9

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