Mechanisms and Diagnosis of Chemotherapy Induced Cognitive Impairment in Cancer Survivors

In the current context, breast cancer survivors are characterized by an increased life expectancy through the introduction of screening methods but also of the multidisciplinary therapeutic approach. Thus, the appearance and persistence of adverse effects associated with cancer and its treatment, including cognitive dysfunction, can influence the quality of life in these patients. It is imperative to define the ideas that are incorporated in the vast concept of "cognitive dysfunction associated with cancer" or "oncobrain," alongside to describe the processes that lead to it. Therefore, certain physiological, but also pathological, values of the patient's profile influence the appearance and progression of chemobrain. Among the most frequently cited factors in the literature are age, disorders such as anxiety and depression, and educational level. Furthermore, based on the etiology of neurodegenerative diseases, researchers have developed multiple theories about the causes of chemobrain, many of which rely on data from clinical practice. Given the wide range of changes involved, it's crucial to identify the tests that can both subjectively and objectively demonstrate the cognitive dysfunction associated with the various targeted cognitive impairments. These observations will pave the way for progress in the therapy of these adverse effects.