Cancer-related brain fog may improve with 2 simple treatments, scientists say

Participants who took only ibuprofen also showed greater cognitive improvements than the placebo group.(IStock)

Patients were randomly assigned to one of four groups.One group participated inhome exercisedesigned specifically for cancer patients, a second group combined the exercises with ibuprofen (200 milligrams, or one pill, twice a day), the third group took ibuprofen alone and a fourth took a placebo alone.

TWO POPULAR TYPES OF EXERCISE COULD REDUCE CANCER GROWTH, STUDY FINDS

The exercise program consisted of low to moderate-intensity activity, including progressivewalking and trainingwith resistance bands.

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“This is one of the first studies specifically designed to assess these interventions for cancer-related cognitive impairment during chemotherapy in patients withmultiple diseasesusing both performance-based cognitive assessments and patient-reported outcomes,” said lead author Michelle C.Janelsins, Ph.D., MPH, of the University of Rochester and the Wilmot Cancer Institute, in the press release.

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Up to 80% of people who receive chemo experience some degree of cognitive impairment.

After six weeks, exercise was linked to the clearest improvements in attention and cognitive function, according to input fromfamily and friends.Those in the group who combined exercise and placebo showed better attention levels compared to those who took just a placebo.

“Chemo brain” (also called chemotherapy-related cognitive impairment, or CRCI) is a known side effect of cancer treatment that can affect memory, concentration and multitasking ability. (iStock)

This suggests that inflammation may contribute to cancer-related cognitive impairment, and thatanti-inflammatory medicationscould be an effective therapeutic approach.

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“We are encouraged by the findings of this trial that suggest possible benefits of both interventions for some cognitive domains,” Janelsins said.“Clearly, we saw a more pronounced effect with exercise, which is notable considering the multiplehealth benefits of exercisefor cancer survivors.”

limitations of the study, the researchers noted, including the small sample size and short duration.The effects were also not consistent across every measure of cognitive function.

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As the majority of participants were women, the findings may not be generalized to broader populations.

“Clearly, we saw a more pronounced effect with exercise, which is notable considering the multiple health benefits of exercise for cancer survivors,” the researcher said.(iStock)

Researchers are planning larger phase 3 trials to confirm whether ibuprofen and exercise can effectively improve chemo-related cognitive impairment.

“Since we saw cognitive benefits in some domains and not others, we will also consider additional doses and longer durations in future research trials,” said Janelsins.

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Investigators emphasized that patients should speak with theironcology teambefore starting ibuprofen or exercise interventions during chemotherapy, as certain treatments or medical conditions could increase the risk of side effects and complications.

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