Chemotherapy-Related Cognitive Impairment in Elderly Lung Cancer Patients

Strategic Insights -

Research has shed light on the factors contributing to chemotherapy-related cognitive impairment in elderly lung cancer patients. A study conducted in Chongqing, People's Republic of China, investigated the potential factors and created an intervention program aimed at enhancing the cognitive abilities of this vulnerable population. The study found that a significant number of elderly lung cancer patients experienced cognitive impairment, with a prevalence of 32.8%. The factors influencing chemotherapy-related cognitive impairment were identified, and a self-designed General and Disease-Related Information Questionnaire was utilized to survey the participants.

Key Takeaways:

  • The study involved 338 lung cancer patients from two tertiary-level hospitals in Chongqing, with 300 (88.8%) being male and 38 (11.2%) being female.
  • The participants' ages ranged from 60-69 years, with 227 (67.2%) falling within this category.
  • The prevalence of cognitive impairment measured using the FACT-Cog was 32.8%.
  • Univariate analysis revealed that homeplace, drinking, nature of occupation before retirement, tea-drinking habits, leisure activities, ADL, pet ownership, HADS, BFI, PSQI, education level, hemoglobin value, and insurance were statistically significant predictors of chemotherapy-related cognitive impairment.
  • The study concluded that the proposed intervention program can enhance patients' sense of self-worth and satisfaction with life, ultimately improving the quality of life of elderly lung cancer patients in the long term.
  • The study was conducted from July 2023 to July 2024, and the research was supported by Chongqing Medical University.
  • The researcher, Chen GuiHua, and additional authors Wu XiuCen, Li Qin, Tang Huan, and Shen HuaPeng, worked together to investigate the factors contributing to chemotherapy-related cognitive impairment.
  • The study aimed to benefit the elderly lung cancer patients by identifying the factors contributing to chemotherapy-related cognitive impairment and creating an intervention program to enhance their cognitive abilities.

Statistics:

  • 300 (88.8%) of the 338 participants were male.
  • 38 (11.2%) of the participants were female.
  • 227 (67.2%) of the participants were between the ages of 60-69 years.
  • The prevalence of cognitive impairment measured using the FACT-Cog was 32.8%.
  • The publication details for the study are as follows:

Brain and Behavior, 2025; 15(6).

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Sources:

  • VerticalNews, "New research on Oncology - Lung Cancer", 2025 JUN 18.
  • Brain and Behavior, "Prevalence and Predictors of Chemotherapy-Related Cognitive Impairment in Elderly Lung Cancer Patients: A Cross-Sectional Study", 2025; 15(6).
  • NewsRx, "Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University Reports Findings in Lung Cancer", 2025 JUN 18.