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Clinical Drug Investigation
Published in: Clinical Drug Investigation 2/2016

01-02-2016 | Systematic Review

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

Authors: Ioannis Bakoyiannis, Eleousa-Alexandra Tsigka, Despina Perrea, Vasilios Pergialiotis

Published in: Clinical Drug Investigation | Issue 2/2016

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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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Metadata
Title
The Impact of Endocrine Therapy on Cognitive Functions of Breast Cancer Patients: A Systematic Review
Authors
Ioannis Bakoyiannis
Eleousa-Alexandra Tsigka
Despina Perrea
Vasilios Pergialiotis
Publication date
01-02-2016
Publisher
Springer International Publishing
Published in
Clinical Drug Investigation / Issue 2/2016
Print ISSN: 1173-2563
Electronic ISSN: 1179-1918
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s40261-015-0364-9

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