A RECENT study found a significant link between chemotherapy-induced disruptions in the gut microbiome and cognitive decline in female patients with breast cancer.
The study followed 77 patients before, during, and after chemotherapy to investigate how changes in the gut bacteria may contribute to the cognitive side effects that are often associated with cancer treatment. The results revealed that chemotherapy not only altered the structure of the gut microbiome but also increased levels of circulating pro-inflammatory cytokines, particularly TNF-α and IL-6. These inflammatory markers are known to affect various bodily functions, including cognitive processes. However, the study found that while patients reported subjective cognitive decline during chemotherapy, these self-reported symptoms were not directly related to the changes in the gut microbiome or inflammatory markers.
Notably, the study discovered that a decrease in overall cognitive function, measured through objective cognitive tests, was significantly related to a reduction in gut microbial diversity. This decline in cognitive function was independent of the circulating cytokine levels, suggesting that the gut microbiome plays a direct role on cognitive health during chemotherapy.
Approximately 35% of the patients experienced objective cognitive decline, which was associated with specific shifts in gut bacteria, including changes in Faecalibacterium, Bacteroides, and other microbial populations. These unique taxonomic shifts suggest that certain bacteria might influence or protect against cognitive decline during chemotherapy.
These results suggest that monitoring and potentially modifying the gut microbiome could be a promising strategy to predict and prevent cognitive side effects in patients undergoing chemotherapy. And demonstrate the need for further exploration into microbiome-related interventions as a means of improving the quality of life for patients with cancer, during and after treatment.
Aleksandra Zurowska, EMJ
Reference
Otto-Dobos L D et al. Chemotherapy-induced gut microbiome disruption, inflammation, and cognitive decline in female patients with breast cancer. BBI- Health. 2024;120:208-20.
