Prospective assessment of white matter integrity in adult stem cell transplant recipients

Neuroimaging and Neurocognitive Outcomes in Older Patients with Multiple Myeloma Treated with Chemotherapy and Autologous Stem Cell Transplantation

There is a paucity of research on treatment-related neurotoxicity in older adults with multiple myeloma (MM) treated with high-dose chemotherapy (HDC) and autologous SCT (HDC/ASCT), despite the increasing use of this regimen. We examined resting state functional connectivity (RSFC), gray matter (GM) volume, neurocognitive function (NF), and proinflammatory cytokines (PCy) in older patients with MM pre- and post-HDC/ASCT. Eighteen patients underwent MRI, NF tests, and serum PCy measurements prior to HDC/ASCT, and fifteen patients completed a follow up five-months post-HDC/ASCT. There were significant decreases in RSFC post-HDC/ASCT in (1) the central executive network (CEN) involving the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex and right posterior parietal cortex (p = 0.022) and (2) the CEN involving the right posterior parietal cortex and the salience network involving the right dorsal anterior cingulate cortex (p = 0.029). There were no significant changes in GM or NF, except for improvements in attention (Digit Span Backward, p = 0.03). There were significant increases in several PCy post-HDC/ASCT (p ≤ 0.05). In conclusion, RSFC decreased in frontal, parietal, and cingulate cortices post-HDC/ASCT, NF was relatively stable, and several PCy increased. These findings are congruent with other studies in cancer patients and provide supporting evidence for the vulnerability of frontoparietal regions to chemotherapy's adverse effects.

Neuroimaging and Neurocognitive Outcomes in Older Patients with Multiple Myeloma Treated with Chemotherapy and Autologous Stem Cell Transplantation

Background Many patients with hematological malignancies treated with stem cell transplantation (SCT) experience cognitive dysfunction. However, few studies have investigated treatment-related neurotoxicity in older adults with multiple myeloma (MM) treated with high dose chemotherapy (HDC) and autologous SCT (HDC/ASCT). In this study, we examined gray matter (GM) volume, resting state functional connectivity (RSFC), neurocognitive function (NF), and proinflammatory cytokines (PCy) in older patients with MM pre- and post-HDC/ASCT. Methods Eighteen MM patients underwent magnetic resonance imaging, neurocognitive tests, and serum PCy measurement prior to HDC/ASCT, and fifteen patients completed follow ups an average of five months post-HDC/ASCT. Results There were significant decreases in RSFC from pre- to post-HDC/ASCT in (1) the central executive network (CEN) involving the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex and right posterior parietal cortex (p = 0.022), and (2) the CEN involving the right posterior parietal cortex and the salience network involving the right dorsal anterior cingulate cortex (p = 0.029); these comparisons were no longer significant after multiple comparisons correction. There were no significant changes in GM volumes or NF, except for improvement in attention (Digit Span Backward, p = 0.03). There were significant increases in several PCy post-HDC/ASCT (p ≤ 0.05). Conclusions This pilot study showed decreased RSFC involving the left frontal, right posterior parietal and right anterior cingulate cortices in MM patients post-HDC/ASCT, relatively stable NF, and increases in PCy. These findings are congruent with studies in patients with hematological malignancies and other cancers and provide supporting evidence for the vulnerability of frontoparietal regions to chemotherapy adverse effects.

Cognitive impairments correlate with increased central nervous system immune activation after allogeneic haematopoietic stem cell transplantation

Murine studies indicate that, after allogeneic haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (aHSCT), donor-derived macrophages replace damaged microglia and alloreactive T-cells invade the central nervous system (CNS). The clinical relevance of this is unknown. We assessed CNS immune surveillance and metabolic activity involved in neuronal survival, in relation to fatigue and cognitive dysfunction in 25 long-term survivors after aHSCT. Patients with cognitive dysfunction exhibited increased proportions of activated T-cells and CD16 + NK-cells in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). Immune cell activation was paralleled with reduced levels of anti-inflammatory factors involved in T-cell suppression (transforming growth factor-β, programmed death ligand-1), NK-cell regulation (poliovirus receptor, nectin-2), and macrophage and microglia activation (CD200, chemokine [C-X3-C motif] ligand-1). Additionally, the CSF mRNA expression pattern was associated with neuroinflammation and oxidative stress. Furthermore, proteomic, and transcriptomic studies demonstrated decreased levels of neuroprotective factors, and an upregulation of apoptosis pathway genes. The kynurenine pathway of tryptophan metabolism was activated in the CNS of all aHSCT patients, resulting in accumulation of neurotoxic and pro-inflammatory metabolites. Cognitive decline and fatigue are overlooked but frequent complications of aHSCT. This study links post-transplant CNS inflammation and neurotoxicity to our previously reported hypoactivation in the prefrontal cortex during cognitive testing, suggesting novel treatment targets.

Cancer-related cognitive impairment in patients with newly diagnosed aggressive lymphoma undergoing standard chemotherapy: a longitudinal feasibility study

PURPOSE

Cancer-related cognitive impairment (CRCI) is a recognised adverse consequence of cancer and its treatment. This study assessed the feasibility of collecting longitudinal data on cognition in patients with newly diagnosed, aggressive lymphoma undergoing standard therapy with curative intent via self-report, neuropsychological assessment, peripheral markers of inflammation, and neuroimaging. An exploration and description of patterns of cancer-related cognitive impairment over the course of treatment and recovery was also undertaken and will be reported separately.

METHODS

Eligible participants completed repeated measures of cognition including self-report and neuropsychological assessment, and correlates of cognition including blood cell-based inflammatory markers, and neuroimaging at three pre-specified timepoints, time 1 (T1) - pre-treatment (treatment naïve), time 2 (T2) - mid-treatment, and time 3 (T3) - 6 to 8 weeks post-completion of treatment.

RESULTS

30/33 eligible patients (91%, 95% CI: 76%, 97%) were recruited over 10 months. The recruitment rate was 3 patients/month (95% CI: 2.0, 4.3 patients/month). Reasons for declining included feeling overwhelmed and rapid treatment commencement. Mean age was 57 years (SD = 17 years) and 16/30 (53%) were male. Most patients (20/30, 67%) had diffuse large B cell lymphoma or Hodgkin lymphoma (4/30, 13%). The neuroimaging sub-study was optional, 11/30 participants (37%) were eligible to take part, and all agreed. The remaining 19 participants were ineligible as their diagnostic PET/CT scan was completed prior. Retention and compliance with all assessments were 89 to 100% at all timepoints. Only one participant was withdrawn due to disease progression.

CONCLUSIONS

Findings from this study including excellent recruitment, retention, and compliance rates demonstrate it is feasible to longitudinally assess cognition in people with newly diagnosed aggressive lymphoma during their initial treatment and recovery to inform the development of future research to improve patient experiences and cognitive outcomes.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry ACTRN12619001649101.

Reduced prefrontal cortex and sympathetic nervous system activity correlate with fatigue after aHSCT

Long-term fatigue and cognitive dysfunction affects 35% of allogeneic haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (aHSCT) survivors, suggesting a dysfunctional prefrontal cortex. In this study, we assessed prefrontal cortex and sympathetic nervous system activity in aHSCT patients with fatigue (n = 12), non-fatigued patients (n = 12) and healthy controls (n = 27). Measurement of near-infrared spectroscopy and electrodermal activity was carried out at rest and during cognitive performance (Stroop, verbal fluency and emotion regulation tasks). Prefrontal cortex and sympathetic nervous system activity were also analyzed in response to dopamine and noradrenaline increase after a single dose of methylphenidate. Baseline cognitive performance was similar in the two patient groups. However, after methylphenidate, only non-fatigued patients improved in Stroop accuracy and had better verbal fluency task performance compared to the fatigued group. Task-related activation of prefrontal cortex in fatigued patients was lower compared to non-fatigued patients during all cognitive tests, both before and after methylphenidate administration. During the Stroop task, reaction time, prefrontal cortex activation, and sympathetic nervous system activity were all lower in fatigued patients compared to healthy controls, but similar in non-fatigued patients and healthy controls.Reduced prefrontal cortex activity and sympathetic arousal suggests novel treatment targets to improve fatigue after aHSCT.

Measuring decline in white matter integrity after systemic treatment for breast cancer: omitting skeletonization enhances sensitivity

Chemotherapy for non-central nervous system cancers is associated with abnormalities in brain structure and function. Diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) allows for studying in vivo microstructural changes in brain white matter. Tract-based spatial statistics (TBSS) is a widely used processing pipeline in which DTI data are typically normalized to a generic DTI template and then 'skeletonized' to compensate for misregistration effects. However, this approach greatly reduces the overall white matter volume that is subjected to statistical analysis, leading to information loss. Here, we present a re-analysis of longitudinal data previously analyzed with standard TBSS (Menning et al., BIB 2018, 324-334). For our current approach, we constructed a pipeline with an optimized registration method in Advanced Normalization Tools (ANTs) where DTI data are registered to a study-specific, high-resolution T1 template and the skeletonization step is omitted. In a head to head comparison, we show that with our novel approach breast cancer survivors who had received chemotherapy plus or minus endocrine therapy (BC + SYST, n = 26) showed a global decline in overall FA that was not present in breast cancer survivors who did not receive systemic therapy (BC-SYST, n = 23) or women without a cancer diagnosis (no cancer controls, NC, n = 30). With the standard TBSS approach we did not find any group differences. Moreover, voxel-based analysis for our novel pipeline showed a widespread decline in FA in the BC + SYST compared to the NC group. Interestingly, the BC-SYST group also showed a decline in FA compared to the NC group, although in much less voxels. These results were not found with the standard TBSS approach. We demonstrate that a modified processing pipeline makes DTI data more sensitive to detecting changes in white matter integrity in non-CNS cancer patients after treatment, particularly chemotherapy.

Neurocognitive Impairment After Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplant for Hematologic Malignancies: Phenotype and Mechanisms

Hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT) plays a central role in the treatment of hematologic cancers. With the increasing survival of patients after HSCT, survivorship issues experienced by this population have become an important outcome. Cognitive impairment is an established sequela of HSCT, with studies to date establishing its presence, associated risk factors, and clinical phenotype. There are multiple potential contributors to cognitive impairment after HSCT. Efforts are ongoing to further characterize its clinical phenotype, associated biomarkers, and biologic underpinnings. A fundamental knowledge of post-HSCT cognitive impairment is of value for all clinicians who interface with this population, and further academic efforts are needed to more fully understand the impact of this cancer treatment on brain health. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: As survival outcomes after hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT) improve, an awareness of the post-treatment challenges faced by this population has become central to its care. HSCT can have a sustained and broad impact on brain health, causing cognitive dysfunction, fatigue, disturbed mood, and sleep. In affected patients, autonomy, return to work, relationships, and quality of life may all be affected. A fundamental fluency in this area is important for clinicians interfacing with HSCT survivors, facilitating the identification and management of cognitive dysfunction and concurrent symptom clusters, and stimulating interest in these sequelae as areas for future clinical research.

Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation-Associated Neurological Complications and Their Brain MR Imaging Findings in a Pediatric Population

Simple Summary

Neurologic complications following a hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) can be caused by various etiologies and significantly contribute to morbidity and mortality. The aim of our retrospective study was to determine the prognostic indicators for HSCT-associated neurological complications in pediatric HSCT recipients using their clinical characteristics and brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) lesions. The demographics, received treatments, treatment-related morbidities, laboratory findings and brain MRI findings were reviewed and compared among 51 patients who had underwent a brain MRI due to newly developed neurological symptoms or infection signs during HSCT and follow-up period. Children with neurologic complications associated with infectious causes, malignant disease or severe brain MRI abnormalities were more likely to have poor outcome.

Abstract

Purpose: To determine the prognostic indicators for hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT)-associated neurological complications, the clinical characteristics and brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) lesions in pediatric HSCT recipients were reviewed. Methods: This retrospective study included 51 patients who had underwent a brain MRI due to newly developed neurological symptoms or infection signs during chemotherapy or HSCT. We reviewed the demographics, received treatments, treatment-related morbidities, laboratory findings and brain MRI findings, which were compared between good and poor neurologic outcome groups. Results: Thirty-seven patients (72.5%) fully recovered from the neurologic deficits and fourteen (27.5%) persisted or aggravated. The children with an underlying malignant disease had significantly poorer neurological outcomes (p = 0.015). The neurologic complications associated with infection were more frequent in the poor outcome group (p = 0.038). In the neuroimaging findings, the extent of the white matter lesions was significantly higher in the poor outcome group, as was that of abnormal enhancement, ventriculomegaly, cortical change, deep gray matter abnormalities and cerebellar abnormalities. Conclusion: Most children with neurologic complications and neuroimaging abnormalities during HSCT had recovered. However, children with neurologic complications associated with infectious causes, malignant disease or severe brain MRI abnormalities should be more carefully monitored during HSCT.

Biobehavioral Research and Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation: Expert Review from the Biobehavioral Research Special Interest Group of the American Society for Transplantation and Cellular Therapy

Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HCT) is a potentially curative treatment for many hematologic conditions. Despite advances in conditioning and supportive measures, however, there remain significant comorbidities that threaten survivorship. Adverse effects of stress-related biobehavioral processes-defined here as the interactions of behavioral, psychological, and socioenvironmental factors with biology-impact immune recovery and function and are particularly salient in the HCT context, given the importance of immune reconstitution for improved survivorship. However, biobehavioral processes have been underinvestigated in this vulnerable group compared with other cancer populations. Here the Biobehavioral Research Special Interest Group (SIG) of the American Society for Transplantation and Cellular Therapy provides an expert review to inform research directions explicating the biological correlates of behavioral symptoms and evaluate the impact of these on HCT outcomes. The goal of this expert review is to provide a foundation for advancing science that effectively integrates behavioral and biological processes to optimize quality of life and improve clinical outcomes for HCT recipients.

Change of White Matter Integrity in Children With Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation

BACKGROUND

Advances in hematopoietic stem cell transplantation have improved the survival rate of malignant diseases and congenital immunodeficiencies. It has become important to assess long-term complications in survivors. To assess neurological abnormalities in children treated by transplantation, diffusion tensor imaging was performed.

METHODS

Forty children who underwent head diffusion tensor imaging before and after their first transplantation were enrolled. Patients with brain lesions on conventional MRI were excluded. Fractional anisotropy and mean diffusivity were compared between patients and 28 control subjects using tract-based spatial statistics. The Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire was administered as a behavioral evaluation after transplantation, and diffusion tensor images of patients with and without behavioral abnormalities were compared.

RESULTS

The age of patients and controls was 0 to 19 years and 0 to 16 years, respectively. The date of diffusion tensor imaging was 10 to 57 days before and 40 to 153 days after transplantation. Tract-based spatial statistics showed fractional anisotropy reduction in widespread white matter in patients before and after transplantation. Mean diffusivity was high before transplantation and normalized after transplantation. Analysis comparing before and after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation shows no difference in fractional anisotropy and a higher mean diffusivity before hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. In patients with behavioral abnormalities, low fractional anisotropy and high mean diffusivity remained after transplantation.

CONCLUSIONS

Longitudinal diffusion tensor imaging showed white matter abnormalities in children without conventional MRI abnormalities, which were related to behavioral problems after transplantation. Diffusion tensor imaging is useful for behavioral assessment in children undergoing transplantation.

Pretransplantation Cognitive Dysfunction in Advanced-Age Hematologic Cancers: Predictors and Associated Outcomes

Patients presenting for treatment of hematologic cancers may be at increased risk for cognitive dysfunction before allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) due to advanced age, previous chemotherapy treatment, deconditioning, and fatigue. Cognitive dysfunction may affect treatment decision making, ability to recall or follow post-HSCT treatment recommendations and overall survival (OS). A total of 448 patients admitted for HSCT between 2011 and 2014 were administered the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) by occupational therapists during admission before transplantation, and 260 were reassessed following transplantation and before discharge. We examined select predictor variables, including age, Karnofsky Performance Status, sex, disease type, psychotropic medications, and select outcome variables, including OS, and nonrelapse mortality (NRM). Before transplantation, 36.4% of patients met criteria for cognitive dysfunction. Age was found to be a significant predictor, along with disease type (myelodysplastic syndrome [MDS], myeloproliferative disorder [MPD]). No significant association was found between cognitive dysfunction and OS or NRM. Longitudinal analysis from pretransplantation to post-transplantation indicated significant decline following HSCT. Notably, one-third of the study cohort showed cognitive dysfunction at hospital discharge. A significant proportion of HSCT candidates present with cognitive dysfunction, with older patients and those diagnosed with MDS and MPD at greatest risk in this cohort. Attention to cognitive dysfunction before transplantation may alert the treatment team to high-risk cases that require increased oversight, inclusion by caregivers, and referral to occupational therapy at discharge. Longitudinal follow-up studies are needed to clarify the specific effect of HSCT on cognitive dysfunction and the impact of cognitive dysfunction on transplantation outcomes.

Central nervous system disorders after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation: a prospective study of the Infectious Diseases Working Party of EBMT

We performed a prospective study to evaluate the types and characteristics of central nervous system (CNS) disorders in patients after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. The study included 163 episodes of CNS disorders of which 58 (36%) were infections. Proven or probable infections were documented in 34 patients and included fungi (n = 10, 29%), viruses (n = 12, 35%), Toxoplasma spp. (n = 9, 27%) and bacteria (n = 3, 9%). Non-infectious neurological disorders (n = 105, 64%) frequently encompassed metabolic/drug-induced abnormalities (n = 28, 27%) or cerebral vascular events (n = 22, 21%). Median onset times were later for infectious (day + 101) vs non-infectious neurological disorders (day + 50, p = 0.009). An unremarkable cranial CT scan was found in 33% of infection episodes. Absence of cerebrospinal fluid pleocytosis despite a normal or increased peripheral blood white blood cell count occurred in 26% of infections. Day-30 mortality rates were significantly higher for fungal (87%) vs non-fungal infections (40%, p < 0.001). Significantly higher mortality rates were also documented for cerebral vascular events than for other non-infectious disorders (86% vs 34%, p < 0.001). Our prospective study shows that diagnostic findings in CNS infections might differ between hematopoietic stem cell transplant recipients and immunocompetent hosts. Special awareness and timely initiation of adequate diagnostics are crucial to improve the prognosis of these patients.

Longitudinal cognitive assessment in patients with primary CNS lymphoma treated with induction chemotherapy followed by reduced-dose whole-brain radiotherapy or autologous stem cell transplantation

INTRODUCTION

The standard treatment for primary central nervous system lymphoma (PCNSL) involves induction methotrexate-based chemotherapy with or without consolidation whole brain radiotherapy (WBRT). As WBRT carries a substantial risk for cognitive impairment, alternative consolidation treatments have been used to reduce neurotoxicity, including reduced-dose WBRT (rdWBRT) or high-dose chemotherapy with autologous stem cell transplant (HDC-ASCT). In this study, we characterized cognitive functions in PCNSL patients achieving long-term remission following rdWBRT or HDC-ASCT.

METHODS

PCNSL patients completed cognitive evaluations at diagnosis, post-induction chemotherapy, and yearly up to 5 years following rdWBRT or HDC-ASCT. Quality of life (QoL), white matter (WM) disease, and cortical atrophy (CA) on MRI were assessed at similar intervals.

RESULTS

Performance was impaired on most cognitive tests at diagnosis. Linear mixed model analyses in each group showed statistically significant improvement from baseline up to year 3 in attention/executive functions, graphomotor speed, and memory; however, there was a decline in attention/executive functions and memory after year 3 in both groups. WM abnormalities increased over time in both groups, but more patients treated with rdWBRT developed CA and WM changes. There were no significant longitudinal group differences in cognitive performance or QoL.

CONCLUSIONS

Results indicated improvement in cognitive function up to 3 years post-treatment, but a decline at later time points and an increase in brain structure abnormalities in both groups. The findings suggest that rdWBRT and HDC-ASCT may be associated with delayed neurotoxicity in progression-free patients and underscore the need for long-term follow-up to characterize cognitive dysfunction in PCNSL patients.

Structural brain alterations following adult non-CNS cancers: a systematic review of the neuroimaging literature

Background: Cancer and cancer treatments may impact the brain through several pathways leading to cognitive impairment. Neuroimaging evidence has begun to elucidate the neurobiological underpinnings of cancer-related cognitive impairment. The aim of this paper was to systematically review available literature on structural brain alterations following adult non-central nervous system (CNS) cancers and associated treatments. Methods: This review followed PRISMA guidelines and was registered in PROSPERO (ID#107387). Comprehensive searches were conducted in June 2018 using PubMed and Web of Science. Inclusion criteria were English peer-reviewed journal articles of formal, controlled studies that examined structural neuroimaging outcomes in adult non-CNS cancer patients and survivors. Selected articles were assessed for quality and risk of bias using the National Institutes of Health Quality Assessment Tool for Observational Cohort and Cross-Sectional Studies. Results: Thirty-six publications of prospective and cross-sectional studies met inclusion criteria and were included. Structural brain alterations following cancer and its treatment were reported in a majority of the publications as evidenced by reduced global and local gray matter volumes, impaired white matter microstructural integrity, and brain network alterations. Structural alterations were most often evident when cancer-treated groups were compared with healthy controls, and more subtle when compared with cancer controls. Regarding the existence of pretreatment impairments, the evidence was equivocal. There was significant between-study heterogeneity in imaging analytical approaches and use of statistical adjustments. Over half reported associations with cognitive outcomes, though regions and associated cognitive domains were heterogeneous. Conclusions: Structural brain alterations following cancer and cancer treatments were reported in a majority of the reviewed studies. However, the extent of observed alterations depended on the choice of comparison groups. Methodological issues exist that will need to be addressed systematically to ensure the validity of findings. Large-scale prospective studies with extended assessment points are warranted to replicate and build upon initial findings.

International Cognition and Cancer Task Force Recommendations for Neuroimaging Methods in the Study of Cognitive Impairment in Non-CNS Cancer Patients

Cancer- and treatment-related cognitive changes have been a focus of increasing research since the early 1980s, with meta-analyses demonstrating poorer performance in cancer patients in cognitive domains including executive functions, processing speed, and memory. To facilitate collaborative efforts, in 2011 the International Cognition and Cancer Task Force (ICCTF) published consensus recommendations for core neuropsychological tests for studies of cancer populations. Over the past decade, studies have used neuroimaging techniques, including structural and functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) and positron emission tomography, to examine the underlying brain basis for cancer- and treatment-related cognitive declines. As yet, however, there have been no consensus recommendations to guide researchers new to this field or to promote the ability to combine data sets. We first discuss important methodological issues with regard to neuroimaging study design, scanner considerations, and sequence selection, focusing on concerns relevant to cancer populations. We propose a minimum recommended set of sequences, including a high-resolution T1-weighted volume and a resting state fMRI scan. Additional advanced imaging sequences are discussed for consideration when feasible, including task-based fMRI and diffusion tensor imaging. Important image data processing and analytic considerations are also reviewed. These recommendations are offered to facilitate increased use of neuroimaging in studies of cancer- and treatment-related cognitive dysfunction. They are not intended to discourage investigator-initiated efforts to develop cutting-edge techniques, which will be helpful in advancing the state of the knowledge. Use of common imaging protocols will facilitate multicenter and data-pooling initiatives, which are needed to address critical mechanistic research questions.

Role of Sonification and Rhythmic Auditory Cueing for Enhancing Gait Associated Deficits Induced by Neurotoxic Cancer Therapies: A Perspective on Auditory Neuroprosthetics

Patients undergoing chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and immunotherapy experience neurotoxic changes in the central and peripheral nervous system. These neurotoxic changes adversely affect functioning in the sensory, motor, and cognitive domains. Thereby, considerably affecting autonomic activities like gait and posture. Recent evidence from a range of systematic reviews and meta-analyses have suggested the beneficial influence of music-based external auditory stimulations i.e., rhythmic auditory cueing and real-time auditory feedback (sonification) on gait and postural stability in population groups will balance disorders. This perspective explores the conjunct implications of auditory stimulations during cancer treatment to simultaneously reduce gait and posture related deficits. Underlying neurophysiological mechanisms by which auditory stimulations might influence motor performance have been discussed. Prompt recognition of this sensorimotor training strategy in future studies can have a widespread impact on patient care in all areas of oncology.

Cognitive Effects of Cancer and Cancer Treatments

As the population of cancer survivors has grown into the millions, there has been increasing emphasis on understanding how the late effects of treatment affect survivors' ability to return to work/school, their capacity to function and live independently, and their overall quality of life. This review focuses on cognitive change associated with cancer and cancer treatments. Research in this area has progressed from a pharmacotoxicology perspective to a view of the cognitive change as a complex interaction of aspects of the treatment, vulnerability factors that increase risk for posttreatment cognitive decline, cancer biology, and the biology of aging. Methodological advances include the development of (a) measurement approaches that assess more fine-grained subcomponents of cognition based on cognitive neuroscience and (b) advanced statistical approaches. Conceptual issues that arise from this multidimensional perspective are described in relation to future directions, understanding of mechanisms, and development of innovative interventions.