Tianjin Medical Journal ›› 2026, Vol. 54 ›› Issue (8): 886-890.doi: 10.11958/20253033

• Review • Previous Articles     Next Articles

Research advances of the effects of neoadjuvant chemotherapy on postoperative cognitive function in cancer patients

HU Nan1(), WANG Jiefu2,()   

  1. 1 Department of Anaesthesia, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin’s Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin 300060, China
    2 Department of Colorectal Oncology, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin’s Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin 300060, China
  • Received:2025-12-25 Revised:2026-04-10 Published:2026-08-15 Online:2026-08-07
  • Contact: △E-mail: wangjiefu@tjmuch.com

Abstract:

Neoadjuvant chemotherapy plays a significant role in tumor treatment, but it can lead to postoperative cognitive dysfunction. Studies have shown that the neurotoxicity of different chemotherapy drugs varies significantly and is dose-dependent, especially for high-risk groups such as the elderly and those with underlying diseases.The mechanisms of postoperative cognitive impairment involve multiple factors such as neuroinflammation, oxidative stress, blood-brain barrier disruption and inhibition of hippocampal neurogenesis. To address this issue, multi-dimensional intervention strategies should be adopted, including optimizing chemotherapy regimens and applying neuroprotective agents. Future research should focus on long-term follow-up, mechanism exploration and precise intervention to balance the anti-tumor efficacy and cognitive function protection, and further improve the quality of life of patients.

Key words: chemotherapy, adjuvant, chemotherapy-related cognitive impairment, neoplasms, neurotoxicity

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