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Journal of Neuro-Oncology
Published in: Journal of Neuro-Oncology 2/2019

Open Access 01-11-2019 | Metastasis | Clinical Study

Cognitive functioning and predictors thereof in patients with 1–10 brain metastases selected for stereotactic radiosurgery

Authors: Wietske C. M. Schimmel, Karin Gehring, Patrick E. J. Hanssens, Margriet M. Sitskoorn

Published in: Journal of Neuro-Oncology | Issue 2/2019

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Abstract

Purpose

Information on predictive factors of cognitive functioning in patients with (multiple) brain metastases (BM) selected for radiosurgery may allow for more individual care and may play a role in predicting cognitive outcome after radiosurgery. The aim of this study was to evaluate cognitive performance, and predictors thereof, in patients with 1–10 BM before radiosurgery.

Methods

Cognition was measured before radiosurgery using a standardized neuropsychological test battery in patients with 1–10 BM (expected survival > 3 months; KPS ≥ 70; no prior BM treatment). Regression formulae were constructed to calculate sociodemographically corrected z scores. Group and individual cognitive functioning was analyzed. Multivariable regression was used to explore potential predictors.

Results

Patients (N = 92) performed significantly worse than controls (N = 104) on all 11 test variables (medium-large effect sizes for 8 variables). Percentages of impairment were highest for information processing (55.3%), dexterity (43.2%) and cognitive flexibility (28.7%). 62% and 46% of patients had impairments in at least two, or three test variables, respectively. Models including combinations of clinical and psychological variables were predictive of verbal memory, psychomotor speed, information processing and dexterity. Neither number nor volume of metastases predicted patients’ test performance.

Conclusions

Already before radiosurgery, almost half of the patients suffered from severe cognitive deficits in at least three test variables. At group and individual level, information processing, cognitive flexibility, and dexterity were most affected. These cognitive impairments may impair daily functioning and patients’ ability to make (shared) treatment decisions. Both clinical (symptomatic BM; timing of BM diagnosis) and psychological (mental fatigue) characteristics influenced cognitive performance.

Clinical trial information

Cognition and Radiation Study A (CAR-Study A; ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02953756; Medical Ethics Committee file number: NL53472.028.15/P1515).
Appendix
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Metadata
Title
Cognitive functioning and predictors thereof in patients with 1–10 brain metastases selected for stereotactic radiosurgery
Authors
Wietske C. M. Schimmel
Karin Gehring
Patrick E. J. Hanssens
Margriet M. Sitskoorn
Publication date
01-11-2019
Publisher
Springer US
Keyword
Metastasis
Published in
Journal of Neuro-Oncology / Issue 2/2019
Print ISSN: 0167-594X
Electronic ISSN: 1573-7373
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s11060-019-03292-y

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