Temporal Dynamics of Resting-state Functional Networks and Cognitive Functioning following Systemic Treatment for Breast Cancer

Abstract

Many women with breast cancer suffer from a decline in memory and executive function, particularly after treatment with chemotherapy. Recent neuroimaging studies suggest that changes in network dynamics are fundamental in decline in these cognitive functions. This has, however, not yet been investigated in breast cancer patients. Using resting state functional magnetic resonance imaging, we prospectively investigated whether changes in dynamic functional connectivity were associated with changes in memory and executive function. We examined 34 breast cancer patients that received chemotherapy, 32 patients that did not receive chemotherapy, and 35 no-cancer controls. All participants were assessed prior to treatment and six months after completion of chemotherapy, or at similar intervals for the other groups. To assess memory and executive function, we used the Hopkins Verbal Learning Test – Immediate Recall and the Trail Making Test B, respectively. Using a sliding window approach, we then evaluated dynamic functional connectivity of resting state networks supporting memory and executive function, i.e. the default mode network and frontoparietal network, respectively. Next, we directly investigated the association between cognitive performance and dynamic functional connectivity. We found no group differences in cognitive performance or connectivity measures. The association between dynamic functional connectivity of the default mode network and memory differed significantly across groups. This was not the case for the frontoparietal network and executive function. This suggests that cancer and chemotherapy alter the role of dynamic functional connectivity in memory function. Further implications of these findings are discussed.

The remodeling of metabolic brain pattern in patients with extracranial diffuse large B-cell lymphoma

“…It was suggested that not only chemotherapy, but also cancer itself could disrupt the functional connectivity measured with resting- or task-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) [ 11 , 32 , 33 ]. For the patients with breast cancer before receiving any treatment, the lower whole-brain functional connectivity, the greater decline in cognitive function [ 33 ].…”

“…For the patients with breast cancer before receiving any treatment, the lower whole-brain functional connectivity, the greater decline in cognitive function [ 33 ]. These aberrant functional connectivities were also considered to be relevant to the memory impairment and fatigue [ 11 , 32 ]. The presence of neuropsychiatric symptoms among patients with hematological cancer was supposed to be more likely than those with solid tumor [ 6 – 9 ].…”

Elevated Levels of Serum Biomarkers Associated with Damage to the CNS Neurons and Endothelial Cells Are Linked with Changes in Brain Connectivity in Breast Cancer Patients with Vestibulo-Atactic Syndrome

“…Thus, cognitive deficits have been observed in neuropsychological studies even years after the cessation of chemotherapy. Women complain of concentration problems, difficulties with finding words, and trouble remembering new information [ 28 , 29 , 30 ].…”