Research Papers:
Effects of intensity-modulated radiotherapy and chemoradiotherapy on attention in patients with nasopharyngeal cancer
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Abstract
Qing Wei1,2, Ling Li1, Xiao-Dong Zhu1, Ling Qin3, Yan-Lin Mo4, Zheng-You Liang5, Jia-Li Deng1 and Su-Ping Tao1
1Department of Radiation Oncology, Cancer Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Cancer Institute of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Nanning 530021, China
2Department of Radiation Oncology, Yantai Yuhuangding Hospital, Yantai 264000, China
3Center for Sleep and Cognition, People’s Hospital of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Nanning 530021, China
4National Hospital of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Nanning 530021, China
5Department of Computer, Guangxi University, Nanning 530021, China
Correspondence to:
Ling Li, email: [email protected]
Keywords: nasopharyngeal carcinoma, intensity-modulated radiotherapy, chemoradiotherapy, attention, integrated visual and auditory continuous performance test
Received: January 17, 2017 Accepted: June 28, 2017 Published: July 25, 2017
ABSTRACT
This study evaluated the short-term effects of intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) and cisplatin concurrent chemo-radiotherapy (CCRT) on attention in patients with nasopharyngeal cancer (NPC). Timely detection and early prevention of cognitive decline are important in cancer patients, because long-term cognitive effects may be permanent and irreversible. Thirty-eight NPC patients treated with IMRT (17/38) or CCRT (21/38) and 38 healthy controls were recruited for the study. Neuropsychological tests were administered to each patient before treatment initiation and within a week after treatment completion. Changes in attention performance over time were evaluated using difference values (D-values). Decreased attention was already observable in patients with NPC prior to treatment. Baseline quotient scores for auditory attention, auditory and visual vigilance, and auditory speed were lower in patients treated with CCRT than in healthy controls (P=0.037, P=0.001, P=0.007, P=0.032, respectively). Auditory stamina D-values were higher in patients treated with IMRT alone (P=0.042), while full-scale response control quotient D-values were lower in patients treated with CCRT (P=0.030) than in healthy controls. Gender, depression, education, and sleep quality were each related to decreased attention and response control. Our results showed that IMRT had no negative acute effects on attention in NPC patients, while CCRT decreased response control.
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