Background/Objectives:Chemotherapy can negatively affect cognitive functioning through direct and indirect mechanisms, with 15–50% of patients experiencing a decline that impacts quality of life. While neurocognitive tests are the main assessment tool, self-reported measures provide valuable additional insights. The aim of this study was to evaluate the cognitive decline of patients during the early stages of chemotherapy treatment and its impact on their quality of life, as well as to outline future perspectives for an early intervention model.Materials and Methods:This prospective longitudinal study was conducted on 40 patients aged 18 to 64 years. Data were collected using the FACT-Cog v.3 questionnaire, administered at the beginning of the first chemotherapy cycle (T0), and then again after approximately 3–4 weeks (T1) and 6–8 weeks (T2).Results:The data show a progressive decline in perceived cognitive abilities (PCI: 72.10 → 64.43; PCA: 25.70 → 20.90) and overall quality of life (9.73 → 8.75) from T0 to T2. A significant positive correlation was found between perceived cognitive abilities and quality of life, supporting the link between cognitive decline and quality of life. Questionnaire variables reliably predicted changes in quality of life two months after chemotherapy [F(4, 35) = 3.91,p= 0.01].Conclusions:The findings show a decline in quality of life as chemotherapy progresses. However, this decline can be predicted from the second month of treatment using the FACT-Cog v.3 questionnaire. The findings further highlight even more the value of integrating early empowerment, rehabilitative and psychoeducational programs to mitigate cognitive decline and improve quality of life.
背景/目的：化疗可通过直接和间接机制对认知功能产生负面影响，15-50%的患者会出现影响生活质量的认知功能下降。虽然神经认知测试是主要评估工具，但自我报告测量能提供有价值的补充信息。本研究旨在评估患者在化疗治疗早期阶段的认知功能下降及其对生活质量的影响，并概述早期干预模式的未来展望。 材料与方法：这项前瞻性纵向研究纳入了40名年龄在18至64岁之间的患者。数据收集采用FACT-Cog v.3问卷，在第一个化疗周期开始时（T0）进行，随后在大约3-4周（T1）和6-8周（T2）后再次进行。 结果：数据显示，从T0到T2，患者感知认知能力（PCI：72.10 → 64.43；PCA：25.70 → 20.90）和整体生活质量（9.73 → 8.75）呈进行性下降。研究发现感知认知能力与生活质量之间存在显著正相关，支持了认知功能下降与生活质量之间的联系。问卷变量可靠地预测了化疗两个月后生活质量的变化[F(4, 35) = 3.91, p = 0.01]。 结论：研究结果表明，随着化疗的进行，患者生活质量下降。然而，这种下降可以从治疗的第二个月起使用FACT-Cog v.3问卷进行预测。研究结果进一步凸显了整合早期赋能、康复和心理教育计划以减轻认知功能下降并提高生活质量的价值。
肿瘤(癌症)患者之家