Cognitive effects of chemotherapy: an integrative review
Article
Article Title | Cognitive effects of chemotherapy: an integrative review |
---|---|
ERA Journal ID | 30443 |
Article Category | Article |
Authors | Shaw, Carli (Author), Baldwin, Adele (Author) and Anderson, Carina (Author) |
Journal Title | European Journal of Oncology Nursing (EJON) |
Journal Citation | 54 (2021) |
Article Number | 102042 |
Number of Pages | 15 |
Year | 2021 |
Publisher | Elsevier |
Place of Publication | United Kingdom |
ISSN | 1462-3889 |
1532-2122 | |
Digital Object Identifier (DOI) | https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ejon.2021.102042 |
Web Address (URL) | https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1462388921001484 |
Abstract | Purpose: An estimated 18.1 million new cancer cases (excluding nonmelanoma skin cancers) were diagnosed worldwide in 2020. Despite a rising incidence of cancers worldwide, in developed countries with strong healthcare systems, survival rates are improving as a result of early detection, improved treatments and survivorship care (World Health Organisation (WHO), 2021). Whilst living longer, cancer survivors are often living with side effects of treatment, including chemotherapy related cognitive impairment, often termed 'chemobrain'. Method: An integrative review of contemporary literature answering the research question how does chemotherapy affect cognitive function? was undertaken utilising three computerised databases CINAHL, Medline and PUBMED, between 2015 and 2021. Data was thematically analysed to identify themes within published literature. Results: Thematic analysis identified four broad themes within the literature regarding chemotherapy induced cognitive impairment. Identified themes included; cognition as part of a complex scenario, proof of existence and searching for the cause, learning to play the game and timing of cognitive impairment. Conclusions: Aggressive treatment with chemotherapy in the adjuvant setting has drastically improved the survival of cancer patients. Subsequent to aggressive treatments, side effects such as cognitive impairment have presented, which may persist in the long term. Despite the exact aetiology of chemotherapy induced cognitive impairment being largely unknown, the consequences of the condition are impacting cancer survivors and their quality of life. |
Keywords | cancer survivor; chemobrain; chemotherapy; cognition; integrative review; quality of life |
ANZSRC Field of Research 2020 | 420503. Community and primary care |
420501. Acute care | |
Public Notes | Files associated with this item cannot be displayed due to copyright restrictions. |
Byline Affiliations | Central Queensland University |
School of Nursing and Midwifery | |
Institution of Origin | University of Southern Queensland |
https://research.usq.edu.au/item/q6v19/cognitive-effects-of-chemotherapy-an-integrative-review
190
total views6
total downloads9
views this month0
downloads this month