New Study on Brain Cancer Treatment and Cognitive Function

Overview of Brain Tumour Diagnosis

Researchers at the Mayo Clinic in the United States recently investigated the impact of a novel brain cancer treatment on maintaining cognitive function. In Canada, an alarming 27 individuals are diagnosed with a brain tumour each day, with an average survival rate of less than one year, even with aggressive treatment options. This challenging prognosis is largely due to the existence of over 120 different types of brain tumours, complicating effective treatment strategies. Brain tumours significantly affect an individual’s physical capabilities, cognitive abilities, and overall quality of life.

Impact of Radiation Therapy on Cognitive Function

Radiation therapy is a commonly utilized treatment for brain cancer, employing intense energy beams, typically X-rays, to eliminate cancer cells. However, extensive research over decades has revealed that even minimal doses of radiation therapy targeting the hippocampus can lead to cognitive issues, such as memory loss. The hippocampus plays a crucial role in cognitive functions, including memory and awareness. To address this concern, researchers have developed a new approach called hippocampal-avoidance radiotherapy, aimed at minimizing cognitive damage during radiation treatment.

Study on Hippocampal-Avoidance Radiotherapy

The Mayo Clinic study focused on evaluating the effectiveness of hippocampal-avoidance whole-brain radiotherapy combined with the drug memantine, which is typically prescribed for moderate to severe Alzheimer’s symptoms. Although memantine does not cure Alzheimer’s, it can enhance memory, awareness, and daily functioning. The results were shared at the 2018 annual meeting of the American Society for Radiation Oncology.

The study involved 518 patients with an average age of 61.5 years, who were randomly assigned to receive either hippocampal-avoidance whole-brain radiotherapy or traditional whole-brain radiotherapy, with both groups also taking memantine.

Results and Implications of the Study

The findings indicated that patients undergoing hippocampal-avoidance whole-brain radiotherapy exhibited better preservation of cognitive function compared to those receiving traditional whole-brain radiotherapy. Furthermore, the new treatment demonstrated comparable tumour control and overall survival rates to the traditional method. Importantly, the researchers noted that while age can influence neurocognitive function, the benefits of avoiding the hippocampus during radiation did not vary with age.

With individuals already diagnosed with cancer facing a 20–40% chance of metastasis to the brain, the limited number of clinical trials transitioning from laboratory research to phase-III trials with positive outcomes highlights the potential significance of these findings for patients with brain tumours requiring treatment.

References

1. New radiotherapy treatment for brain cancer offers superior preservation of cognitive function, Mayo researchers say. Mayo Clinic website https://newsnetwork.mayoclinic.org/discussion/new-radiotherapy-treatment-for-brain-cancer-offers-superior-preservation-of-cognitive-function-mayo-researchers-say/. Accessed November 12, 2018.
2. Brain tumour facts. Brain Tumour Foundation of Canada website https://www.braintumour.ca/2494/brain-tumour-facts. Accessed November 12, 2018.