What should be done?

Future steps
One of the first studies in the United Kingdom looks at how memory is affected by chemotherapy. We focus on:

The University of Manchester

Memory and attention problems can be readily identified by a specialist. If psychological assessment services are available to you, try to take part in them. Alternatively, speak to your treatment team and/or psychologist in your hospital.

the type of drugs involved how memory and attention are affected

Memory and attention problems after chemotherapy

More research is needed to prevent and treat these problems. Some treatments are currently being investigated, for example:

You can find more information about this study and how to participate at: http://cancerhelp.cancerresearchuk.org/trials/astudy-looking-how-chemotherapy-can-affectmemory-of-young-adults If you are interested in taking part, contact your consulting oncologist for more details or access the web-page above. The study team will try to arrange to see you when you come to hospital for your regular tests.

cognitive rehabilitation therapies herbal supplements, e.g. Ginkgo biloba light physical exercise.

They seem to improve mental performance if taken before and during the treatment. However, more research is needed to understand WHY and HOW these problems occur. Answering these questions will help reduce chemo-brain symptoms.

What are the problems? How do they occur? Who is affected? What should you do? Future steps

You can also contact the main investigator using the following details: Oana Mereuta Tel: 0161 275 26 92 oana.mereuta@postgrad.manchester.ac.uk
Supported by: Medical Research Council (MRC) National Cancer Research Network (NCRN) University of Manchester Cancer Research UK Collaborating centres: University of Manchester The Christie NHS Foundation Trust Manchester Royal Infirmary Great Western Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust Royal Liverpool University Hospital

One of the first studies in the United Kingdom looks at how memory is affected by chemotherapy. If you are interested in taking part please contact the main investigator using the following details: Oana Mereuta Tel: 0161 275 26 92 oana.mereuta@postgrad.manchester.ac.uk

What are the problems?

Many patients treated with chemotherapy complain about attention and memory problems long after treatment. You may have heard people refer to these troubles as chemo-brain or chemo-fog. These problems are mild, but seem to get worse if you are tired, have to do several tasks at the same time, or are under pressure. Even if mild they may cause difficulties in school and work, and can affect your quality of life.

Why do they occur?

It is not well understood how chemo-brain develops. The cancer treatments involved are:

Who is affected?
Up to 70% of cancer patients and survivors complain about memory and attention problems. Up to 20% of the patients complain even before the start of therapy, suggesting that the cancer itself might also be the cause. They are seen in both children and adults and may be visible up to 20 years post-therapy. Distress and tiredness do not explain these troubles.

radiotherapy to the brain chemotherapy in any dose hormonal therapies.

You can find more information about the treatments above at: http://cancerhelp.cancerresearchuk.org/ about-cancer/treatment Other factors that can influence mental performance during and after cancer treatment are:

tiredness pain and pain medication, other physical illnesses.

Some people may also be more vulnerable than others. More research is needed to investigate these and other possible factors. We also need to understand how the side-effects of chemotherapy are linked to chemo-brain. You can find more information about chemotherapy-related side effects at: http://cancerhelp.cancerresearchuk.org/ about-cancer/treatment/chemotherapy/ chemotherapy-side-effects