Dr. Serena Wong Explains Chemobrain

Video

Serena Wong, MD, medical oncologist, Stacy Goldstein Breast Cancer Center, Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, explains chemobrain.

Serena Wong, MD, medical oncologist, Stacy Goldstein Breast Cancer Center, Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, explains chemobrain.

Wong explains that chemobrain refers to a cognitive dysfunction that some patients experience during or after chemotherapy treatments. Symptoms can include difficulty remembering things, concentrating or multitasking, and a general sense of not being mentally “as sharp.”

While the exact cause of chemobrain is unknown, Wong says there is an increasing amount of research being done to help physicians understand. Researchers now know that certain cancer therapies, such as surgery, radiation and chemotherapy can cause an inflammatory response that can lead to cytokine production. Overproduction of cytokines can affect the central nervous system, which can cause cognitive changes, Wong explains.

Wong says only a proportion of patients are affected by these symptoms, so it’s possible that genetics may play a role.

​

Related Videos
Testi
Patrick Buxton, RN, BSN
Cheryl VerStrate on the Pitfalls of Direct-to-Consumer Genetic Tests
Elizabeth Aronson
MPN-Associated Anemia: What Nurses Should Look Out For
Cancer-Related Cognitive Impairment
Charina Toste
Lindsey Lyle
Related Content
© 2023 MJH Life Sciences

All rights reserved.