Role of inflammatory markers in predicting disease recurrence and cognitive performance in women with locally advanced breast cancer

HomeResearchOur StudiesRole of inflammatory markers in predicting disease recurrence and cognitive performance in women with locally advanced breast cancer

Women diagnosed with breast cancer undergo treatments that decrease the chance of recurrence of cancer, but are associated with several side effects, including declines in memory and attention and other thinking abilities.  The causes of these declines are not known.  However, we know that (i) people with cancer may have high levels of molecules in the blood (cytokines) that reflect inflammation; (ii) injection of cytokines into animals, and their use to treat some human diseases, can lead to decreased memory and attention; and (iii) in some advanced cancers cytokines predict disease outcome.  This longitudinal study evaluates both the association of cytokines to decreased thinking abilities and to disease outcome over time.  Increased knowledge about causes of cognitive problems in women with breast cancer will help develop interventions to prevent or minimize cognitive decline.  Results may help identify women who are at high risk for recurrence, and such information could be used in treatment decisions and in the development of new treatment options.

Anna Dodd 416-946-4501 ext.3176