SouthernWorldwide.com – Scientists have discovered that a common over-the-counter medication and a simple home exercise program may significantly alleviate cognitive issues experienced by cancer patients undergoing treatment.
This discovery stems from a study conducted at the University of Rochester, which investigated the impact of physical activity and low-dose ibuprofen on patients receiving chemotherapy.
“Chemo brain,” medically known as chemotherapy-related cognitive impairment (CRCI), is a well-documented side effect of cancer treatment. It can negatively affect memory, concentration, and the ability to perform multiple tasks simultaneously. Previous research indicates that up to 80% of individuals undergoing chemotherapy experience some level of cognitive impairment.
The University of Rochester’s phase 2 trial involved 86 adult cancer patients in New York who were undergoing chemotherapy and experiencing cognitive difficulties. The average age of participants was 53, and nearly 89% were women, according to a university press release.
Participants were divided into four random groups. One group engaged in home exercises specifically designed for cancer patients. A second group combined these exercises with ibuprofen (200 milligrams, or one pill, twice daily). A third group received only ibuprofen, while a fourth group was given a placebo.
The exercise program incorporated low to moderate-intensity activities. This included progressive walking and training with resistance bands.
“This is one of the first studies specifically designed to assess these interventions for cancer-related cognitive impairment during chemotherapy in patients with multiple diseases using both performance-based cognitive assessments and patient-reported outcomes,” stated lead author Michelle C. Janelsins, Ph.D., MPH, from the University of Rochester and the Wilmot Cancer Institute, in the press release.
After a six-week period, exercise was associated with the most noticeable improvements in attention and cognitive function, as reported by family and friends. The group that combined exercise with a placebo demonstrated better attention levels compared to the placebo-only group.
Participants who took ibuprofen alone also showed greater cognitive improvements than those in the placebo group.
These findings suggest that ibuprofen might offer some enhancement in cognitive function, although the benefits appeared less substantial and consistent than those observed with exercise.
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This observation indicates that inflammation could be a contributing factor to cancer-related cognitive impairment, and that anti-inflammatory medications might serve as an effective therapeutic strategy.
“We are encouraged by the findings of this trial that suggest possible benefits of both interventions for some cognitive domains,” Janelsins remarked. “Clearly, we saw a more pronounced effect with exercise, which is notable considering the multiple health benefits of exercise for cancer survivors.”
No adverse side effects were reported by participants during the trial.
The research findings have been published in *Cancer*, a peer-reviewed journal of the American Cancer Society.
The researchers did acknowledge certain limitations to the study. These included the small sample size and the relatively short duration of the trial. Furthermore, the effects were not uniformly consistent across all measures of cognitive function.
Given that the majority of participants were women, the study’s conclusions may not be broadly generalizable to all populations.
Researchers are now planning larger phase 3 trials to confirm whether ibuprofen and exercise can indeed effectively improve chemotherapy-related cognitive impairment.
“Since we saw cognitive benefits in some domains and not others, we will also consider additional doses and longer durations in future research trials,” Janelsins added.
The investigators strongly emphasized that patients must consult with their oncology team before commencing any ibuprofen or exercise interventions during chemotherapy. This is crucial because certain treatments or underlying medical conditions could increase the risk of side effects and complications.
