Decoding Causes and Consequences in Chemotherapy for Non-CNS Cancer

The number of patients requiring chemotherapy is projected to rise to 15 million by 2040.1Although chemotherapy remains a critical component of cancer treatment, its mechanism of action—affecting both cancerous and healthy cells—often leads to significant side effects. These adverse effects can result in a decline in health-related quality of life and functional abilities.2Chemotherapy-related cognitive impairment (CRCI) is a common side effect in both CNS and non-CNS cancers. However, most research has primarily focused on investigating CRCI in CNS cancers, leaving gaps in our understanding of the mechanism leading to CRCI in non-CNS cancers. With survival rates improving,3it is increasingly important to further investigate the pathophysiology of these cognitive changes among non-CNS cancer survivors, particularly to determine whether chemotherapy-induced brain changes are reversible. Understanding these mechanisms is crucial for tailoring cancer treatments and developing interventions to mitigate long-term cognitive impairment and improve quality of life for survivors.