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Purpose of Review <p>Neurocognitive dysfunction, commonly referred to as “chemo brain,” is a clinically significant and increasingly recognized complication among breast cancer survivors in the era of improved long-term survival. Despite its impact on daily functioning and quality of life, it remains underdiagnosed and inadequately managed due to the lack of standardized diagnostic frameworks and targeted therapies. This mini review provides a concise synthesis of current evidence on the epidemiology, mechanisms, and emerging treatment approaches for chemotherapy-related cognitive impairment (CRCI), with emphasis on translational and personalized survivorship care.</p> Recent Findings <p>Neurocognitive impairment affects a substantial proportion of breast cancer patients, with prevalence estimates of approximately 30–40% reported in the literature. Cognitive deficits may arise during treatment and persist in a subset of survivors for extended periods. CRCI is now recognized as a multifactorial condition involving interconnected biological pathways, including neuroinflammation, oxidative stress, blood–brain barrier disruption, endocrine alterations, and genetic susceptibility, leading to impairments in key cognitive domains. Current management remains largely supportive, with no approved pharmacological therapies. However, emerging strategies—including neuroprotective interventions, nanotechnology-based delivery systems, intranasal approaches, and digital cognitive rehabilitation—are gaining attention.</p> Summary <p>Neurocognitive dysfunction represents a significant and unmet need inbreast cancer survivorship. While understanding of its complexpathophysiology has advanced, effective targeted treatments remain limited.Innovative approaches integrating nanomedicine, brain-targeted delivery,and digital health technologies hold promise for personalized care. Futureresearch should focus on biomarker-driven strategies, early intervention, andwell-designed clinical trials to enhance long-term cognitive outcomes andsurvivorship care.</p>

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Neurocognitive Dysfunction (‘Chemo Brain’) in Breast Cancer Survivors: Mechanisms and Emerging Therapeutic Strategies

  • 期刊论文

  • 发表日期：

    2026年5月21日

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  • Abdul Shadab,
  • Ramadan Al-Shdefat

摘要

Purpose of Review

Neurocognitive dysfunction, commonly referred to as “chemo brain,” is a clinically significant and increasingly recognized complication among breast cancer survivors in the era of improved long-term survival. Despite its impact on daily functioning and quality of life, it remains underdiagnosed and inadequately managed due to the lack of standardized diagnostic frameworks and targeted therapies. This mini review provides a concise synthesis of current evidence on the epidemiology, mechanisms, and emerging treatment approaches for chemotherapy-related cognitive impairment (CRCI), with emphasis on translational and personalized survivorship care.

Recent Findings

Neurocognitive impairment affects a substantial proportion of breast cancer patients, with prevalence estimates of approximately 30–40% reported in the literature. Cognitive deficits may arise during treatment and persist in a subset of survivors for extended periods. CRCI is now recognized as a multifactorial condition involving interconnected biological pathways, including neuroinflammation, oxidative stress, blood–brain barrier disruption, endocrine alterations, and genetic susceptibility, leading to impairments in key cognitive domains. Current management remains largely supportive, with no approved pharmacological therapies. However, emerging strategies—including neuroprotective interventions, nanotechnology-based delivery systems, intranasal approaches, and digital cognitive rehabilitation—are gaining attention.

Summary

Neurocognitive dysfunction represents a significant and unmet need inbreast cancer survivorship. While understanding of its complexpathophysiology has advanced, effective targeted treatments remain limited.Innovative approaches integrating nanomedicine, brain-targeted delivery,and digital health technologies hold promise for personalized care. Futureresearch should focus on biomarker-driven strategies, early intervention, andwell-designed clinical trials to enhance long-term cognitive outcomes andsurvivorship care.