Association of pro-inflammatory biomarkers and post-chemotherapy cognitive changes in Asian breast cancer patients: A prospective cohort study.

9506 Background: Although existing evidence suggests that cytokines play an intermediary role in the development of post-chemotherapy cognitive changes, specific cytokines associated with this neurotoxic sequela of chemotherapy are still unknown. This study was designed to identify pro-inflammatory biomarkers that are associated with memory and attention impairment in Asian patients receiving chemotherapy. Methods: This is a prospective, cohort study conducted at the National Cancer Centre Singapore. Early-stage Asian breast cancer patients (Stage I to III), who received anthracycline and/or taxane-based chemotherapy were recruited. Computerized neuropsychological assessments (Headminder) were administered to evaluate patients’ memory and attention performances and a panel of pro-inflammatory plasma cytokines (IL-1β, IL-2, IL-4, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, GM-CSF, IFN-γ and TNF-α) was evaluated using multiplex immunoassay at three time points: prior to chemotherapy (T1), at midpoint (T2), and end of chemotherapy (...