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Monitoring of Neurocognitive Function in the Care of Patients with Brain Tumors

  • Neuro-oncology (R Soffietti, Section Editor)
  • Published:
Current Treatment Options in Neurology Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Purpose of review

A detailed characterization of the nature of neurocognitive impairment in patients with brain tumors is provided, as well as considerations for clinical practice regarding neuropsychological assessment throughout the disease course.

Recent findings

Neurocognitive impairment is common in patients with brain tumors and may result from the tumor itself, as a consequence of treatment, including surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation, or in association with supportive care medications (e.g., anticonvulsant and pain medications). Serial surveillance of neurocognitive functioning in this population can facilitate medical decision-making and inform recommendations to improve patient daily functioning and quality of life.

Summary

Neuropsychological assessment is increasingly recognized as a critical component of the multidisciplinary care of patients with brain tumors and has already had practice-changing effects. Further understanding of genetic risk factors for neurocognitive decline along with the development of novel assessment and intervention strategies may further enhance functioning and general well-being in this patient population.

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Acknowledgments

Jeffrey S. Wefel is supported by the National Institute of Nursing Research of the National Institutes of Health under Award Number R01NR014195. The content is solely the responsibility of the authors and does not necessarily represent the official views of the National Institutes of Health.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Section of Neuropsychology, Department of Neuro-Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 1515 Holcombe Boulevard, Unit 431, Houston, TX, 77030, USA

    Kyle R. Noll PhD, Mariana E. Bradshaw PhD, Jennie Rexer PhD & Jeffrey S. Wefel PhD

  2. Department of Neuro-Oncology, Psychology Assessment Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, 02114, USA

    Michael W. Parsons PhD

  3. Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Health, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA

    Erica L. Dawson PhD

  4. Department of Radiation Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, 77030, USA

    Jeffrey S. Wefel PhD

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Correspondence to Jeffrey S. Wefel PhD.

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Conflict of Interest

Kyle R. Noll, Mariana E. Bradshaw, Erica L. Dawson, and Jennie Rexer each declare no potential conflict of interest. Michael W. Parsons reports consulting fees from Agios Inc. and Monteris Inc. outside the submitted work. Jeffrey S. Wefel reports personal fees from Abbvie, Bayer, Blueprint Medicines, Magnolia Tejas, Novocure, and Vanquish Oncology, and reports grants from Angiochem, Juno, Novocure, and Roche outside the submitted work.

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Noll, K.R., Bradshaw, M.E., Parsons, M.W. et al. Monitoring of Neurocognitive Function in the Care of Patients with Brain Tumors. Curr Treat Options Neurol 21, 33 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11940-019-0573-2

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