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Open Access 01-04-2020 | Systemic Therapy

Type of cancer treatment and cognitive symptoms in working cancer survivors: an 18-month follow-up study

Authors: Johanna K. Ehrenstein, Sander K.R. van Zon, Saskia F.A. Duijts, Boukje A.C. van Dijk, Heleen F. Dorland, Sanne B. Schagen, Ute Bültmann

Published in: Journal of Cancer Survivorship | Issue 2/2020

Abstract

Purpose

Cognitive symptoms are reported to affect cancer survivors’ functioning at work. However, little is known about the type of cancer treatment and cognitive symptoms in working cancer survivors. We examined the longitudinal association between type of cancer treatment and cognitive symptoms in cancer survivors post return to work, and whether the course of cognitive symptoms over 18 months differed per type of cancer treatment.

Methods

Data from the Dutch longitudinal “Work-Life after Cancer” study were used. The study population consisted of 330 working cancer survivors who completed questionnaires at baseline, and 6, 12, and 18 months follow-up. Cognitive symptoms were assessed with the cognitive symptom checklist-work and linked with cancer treatment data from the Netherlands Cancer Registry. Data were analyzed using generalized estimating equations.

Results

Cancer survivors who received chemotherapy reported comparable memory symptom levels (b: − 2.3; 95% CI = − 7.1, 2.5) to those receiving locoregional treatment. Executive function symptom levels (b: − 4.1; 95% CI = − 7.8, − 0.4) were significantly lower for cancer survivors who received chemotherapy, compared with those receiving locoregional treatment. In cancer survivors who received other systemic therapy, memory (b: 0.4; 95% CI = 0.1, 0.7) and executive function symptom levels (b: 0.4; 95% CI = 0.0, 0.7) increased over time. In cancer survivors who received chemotherapy and locoregional treatment, memory and executive function symptom scores were persistent during the first 18 months after return to work.

Conclusions

The contradictory finding that cancer patients receiving chemotherapy report fewer cognitive symptoms warrants further research.

Implications for Cancer Survivors

Working cancer survivors may have cognitive symptom management needs irrespective of the type of cancer treatment they received.

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Title: Type of cancer treatment and cognitive symptoms in working cancer survivors: an 18-month follow-up study
Authors: Johanna K. Ehrenstein
Sander K.R. van Zon
Saskia F.A. Duijts
Boukje A.C. van Dijk
Heleen F. Dorland
Sanne B. Schagen
Ute Bültmann
Publication date: 01-04-2020
Publisher: Springer US
Keywords: Systemic Therapy
Cytostatic Therapy
Published in: Journal of Cancer Survivorship / Issue 2/2020
Print ISSN: 1932-2259
Electronic ISSN: 1932-2267
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11764-019-00839-w

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Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusions

Implications for Cancer Survivors

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