Cognitive Dysfunction
Cancer-related
Cognitive Dysfunction (CancerSymptoms.org)
Provides basic information on cancer-related cognitive problems,
which may include memory loss, distractibility, difficulty in performing
multiple tasks, and trouble with arithmetic and language skills. Discusses
the causes and symptoms of cancer-related cognitive dysfunction, as well
as treatment strategies, including pharmacologic therapy, rehabilitation,
support groups and behavioral approaches. [undated]
Multidisciplinary
Team Helps Patients with Cancer Overcome Cognitive Problems
(MD Anderson)
Discusses the experience at MD Anderson of a multidisciplinary approach
to cognitive problems that may occur during and after cancer treatment.
[12/01]
Neurocognitive
Dysfunction in Cancer Patients (cancernetwork.com)
v. 14, no.1 ONCOLOGY (January 2000)
Discusses cancer-related impairments of neurocognitive function (including
memory loss, distractibility, difficulty in performing multiple tasks,
among others) and their causes. Sections include: effects of cancer, effects
of treatment, coexisting neurologic conditions, functional and psychiatric
disorders, metabolic disturbances, evaluating cognitive dysfunction, and
intervention strategies. [1/00]
Memory
Problems Following Chemotherapy (WebMD)
Summarizes a study published in the 1/15/02 issue of the Journal of
Clinical Oncology that found cognitive (thinking and memory)
effects that persist for years, but that the benefits of chemotherapy
outweigh the potential risks to cognitive functioning for most people.
[1/02]
Chemotherapy and
Cognitive Function: Maybe It is All in Their Heads? (Medscape)
Discusses 2 studies presented at the 37th Annual ASCO meeting that examined
the effect of chemotherapy and hormonal therapy on brain function. Although
research in this area is in its infancy, preliminary results suggest that
the cognitive effects are real. Studies are ongoing.[5/01]
Prophylactic
Cranial Irradiation in Small-Cell Lung Cancer (The Oncologist)
5, no.4 The Oncologist (August 2000): 293-298
Excellent comprehensive review of the literature on prophylactic
cranial irradiation in SCLC patients. See also the commentary by Andrew
T. Turrisi: "PCI
in SCLC: Is It Still Controversial or Is It a No-Brainer?" in the
same issue of The Oncologist. Includes an extended discussion
of the potential, nature and likelihood of cognitive side effects from
PCI. [8/00]

Peripheral Neuropathy
Facing
the Challenge (Cure)
by Debra Wood, RN
v.3, no.3 CURE (Fall 2004): 58-62
Patient article on peripheral neuropathy and cancer treatment: how
and why it happens, which drugs may cause peripheral neuropathy; signs
and symptoms; which patients are at risk; possible treatments; and how
to manage neuropathy, including a list of safety tips. [10/04]
Managing
Symptoms: Peripheral Neuropathy (Nerve Damage) (OncoLink)
Addresses the following questions: what is peripheral neuropathy? what
causes peripheral neuropathy and how long will it last? what are the common
symptoms of peripheral neuropathy? Offers advice on things you can do
to manage peripheral neuropathy. Aimed at patients. [2/02]
CANCER-NEUROPATHY
(Association of Cancer Online Resources)
Online discussion group for cancer patients dealing with neuropathy induced
by cancer and its treatments.
Peripheral
Neuropathy (MayoClinic.com)
Overview of peripheral neuropathy, its signs and symptoms, causes, complications,
and treatment. Although this article addresses peripheral neuropathy resulting
from various causes other than cancer and chemotherapy, the treatment
section includes useful information on medications, therapies, self-care
and coping strategies. [11/05]
Tips
for Dealing with Neuropathy (Conversations: The International
Newsletter for Those Fighting Ovarian Cancer)
Patient-created guide to dealing with peripheral neuropathy caused by
chemotherapy. Provides information on locating specialists who treat neuropathy,
discusses the use of Amifostine (Ethyol) to prevent neuropathy, and offers
information on treatments and coping strategies. Suggests additional resources
for patients with peripheral neuropathy. [3/04]
Neuroprotective
Effect of Vitamin E Supplementation in Patients Treated with Cisplatin
Chemotherapy (Journal of Clinical Oncology)
Abstract of a study published in the March 1, 2003 issue of the Journal
of Clinical Oncology to evaluate the neuroprotective effect of antioxidant
supplementation with Vitamin E in patients treated with cisplatin chemotherapy.
Concludes that Vitamin E supplementation of patients receiving cisplatin
chemotherapy decreases the incidence and severity of peripheral neurotoxicity.
[3/03]

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