The Association of Serum Inflammatory Markers and Self-Reported Cognitive Outcomes in Women With Breast Cancer Undergoing Chemotherapy

OBJECTIVES: Chemotherapy-induced neuroinflammation may contribute to cognitive dysfunction. Previously we found that serum omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids were associated with inflammatory markers in a cohort of 60 women undergoing chemotherapy for breast cancer. The objective of this project was to determine if serum inflammatory markers were correlated with self-reported cognitive assessments in these women. METHODS: Serum samples and data on self-reported cognitive function were collected from 60 women undergoing adjuvant chemotherapy for breast cancer at baseline, the fourth cycle of chemotherapy (C4), and 6 months after chemotherapy (6M). Serum inflammatory markers were analyzed using multiplex enzyme-linked immunoassay. Spearman's rank correlation was used to quantify the association between inflammatory markers and the Multifactorial Memory Questionnaire (MMQ) scores at baseline (n = 25), C4 (n = 18), and 6M (n = 18), as well as the Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function–Adult Version (BRIEF-A) scores at baseline (n = 24), C4 (n = 18), and 6M (n = 16). RESULTS: Better MMQ scores were significantly correlated with lower interleukin-1β (IL-1β) at baseline, higher tumor necrosis factor alpha-receptor II (TNF-RII) at C4, and higher Interleukin 8 (IL-8) at 6M. In addition, improvements in MMQ results were correlated with decreases in IL-1β from baseline to 6M (p < 0.05 for all). Better BRIEF-A scores were significantly correlated with lower IL-1β at baseline and higher TNF-RII at C4. Improvements in BRIEF-A scores were correlated with increases in TNF-RII from baseline to C4, and with increases in interleukin 6, IL-8, and TNFRII from baseline to 6M (p < 0.05 for all). CONCLUSIONS: Overall, lower serum IL-1β and higher TNF-RII and IL-8 were associated with better self-reported cognitive function in women with breast cancer undergoing chemotherapy. Future research will examine associations of fatty acid biomarkers and cognitive function. FUNDING SOURCES: Ohio State University Stephanie Spielman Breast Cancer Center Kroger Fund.