Impact of Adjuvant Anthracycline-Based and Taxane-Based Chemotherapy on Plasma VEGF Levels and Cognitive Function in Breast Cancer Patients: A Longitudinal Study

Abstract Background Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) has been shown to induce neurogenesis in the brain and yield neuroprotective effects. It is hypothesized that chemotherapy reduces circulating VEGF levels and leads to cognitive decline among patients. This multicenter longitudinal study aimed to evaluate the impact of chemotherapy on VEGF levels and the association between VEGF levels and cognitive function. Patients and Methods A total of 145 early-stage breast cancer patients were recruited and assessed before chemotherapy (T1), during chemotherapy (T2), and at the end of chemotherapy (T3). At each time point, plasma VEGF levels were assessed using a multiplex immunoassay. Cognitive function was assessed using both Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy–Cognitive Function, Version 3 (FACT-Cog), and Headminder (a computerized, web-based neuropsychologic battery). Results Generally, we observed higher-than-baseline plasma VEGF levels after the start of chemotherapy ( P P P Conclusion Breast cancer patients experience an increasing trend in plasma VEGF levels during chemotherapy, and the regimen types may have a differential effect on circulating VEGF levels. Furthermore, changes in plasma VEGF levels during chemotherapy were not associated with cognitive impairment. VEGF may play a minor role in mediating the occurrence of chemotherapy-associated cognitive impairment.