Scientists study chemo effect on the brain

Published: Nov. 27, 2006 at 9:16 AM

TOKYO, Nov. 27 (UPI) -- A Japanese-led study has linked chemotherapy with short-term structural changes in cognitive areas of the brain.

The study -- led by Dr. Masatoshi Inagaki of the Breast Cancer Survivors' Brain MRI Database Group in Japan -- showed that within 12 months of receiving adjuvant chemotherapy, significant regions of the brain associated with memory, analysis and other cognitive functions were significantly smaller in breast cancer patients who received chemotherapy than those who did not.

But within four years after treatment, there were no differences in those same regions of the brain.

The researchers, using magnetic resonance imaging, found that at one-year, patients treated with chemotherapy had smaller volumes in cognitively sensitive areas, such as the prefrontal, parahippocampal and cingulate gyri, and precuneus regions. However, at three-years after surgery there were no volume differences.

The authors say their study suggests adjuvant chemotherapy could have a temporary effect on brain structure.

The research is detailed online in the journal Cancer and will be published in the journal's Jan. 1 print issue.

© 2006 United Press International, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Order reprints



Additional News Stories
Song's win lifts her to No. 29 in world (29 min)
Dodgers' coaching staff to return in 2010 (43 min)
Natural historians use social network (45 min)
Safin wins opening match in his last event (58 min)
Fed: Banks have raised needed capital
Elson to be replaced at Western Kentucky
Prostate biopsy not always necessary
fark
The federal government is willing to pay up to $66,542 plus living benefits if you don't mind mushing...
"The bullet zipped over fields and pasture from the south as Long's car traveled west from her aunt's...
Sometimes there are signs that you've chosen the wrong profession. Bus driver, on his first day...
Strollers recalled due to C) amputation
Tips on how to raise a vegetarian child so that he grows up to be healthy, happy and insufferably...
Fark / Mentally Incontinent joint book signing, Thursday Nov. 12 at the Borders Books Stonestown...