Cognitive Functioning and Quality of Life in Brain Tumor Patients
Summary
Brain tumour patients frequently confront a dual challenge of impaired neurocognitive functioning and diminished health-related quality of life, arising from both the direct effects of neoplastic cells on neural networks and the collateral impacts of surgery, radiotherapy and systemic therapies. Cognitive domains such as memory, attention, processing speed and executive function may be variably affected according to tumour histology, location and molecular profile, with diffuse gliomas often leading to pervasive deficits while extra-axial tumours such as meningiomas or pituitary neuroendocrine tumours produce more focal impairments. These cognitive sequelae intersect with emotional distress, fatigue and social functioning deficits to influence overall well-being. Understanding patterns of decline and potential for recovery underpins prognostication and informs tailored interventions, including cognitive rehabilitation and psychosocial support, aimed at optimising functional independence and everyday quality of life across the patient journey.
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Cognitive Functioning and Quality of Life in Brain Tumor Patients publication trend
The graph below shows the total number of articles in cognitive functioning and quality of life in brain tumor patients across all publications each year (not limited to Nature Index journals).
Technical terms
Health-related quality of life (HRQoL): A multidimensional construct assessing the impact of disease and treatment on physical, emotional, social and cognitive well-being from the patient’s perspective.
Executive function: Higher-order cognitive processes including planning, problem-solving, mental flexibility and inhibitory control essential for goal-directed behaviour.
Karnofsky Performance Scale (KPS): A clinician-rated measure of a patient’s ability to perform ordinary tasks and self-care, scored from 0 (dead) to 100 (normal function).
Neurocognitive functioning: An umbrella term for brain-based processes such as attention, memory, processing speed and language, assessed via standardised neuropsychological tests.
Extra-axial tumour: A mass arising outside the brain parenchyma (for example, meningiomas, pituitary tumours), typically displacing rather than infiltrating neural tissue.
References
- Understanding cognitive functioning in glioma patients: The relevance of IDH‐mutation status and functional connectivity. Brain and Behavior (2019).
- Cognitive functioning in meningioma patients: a systematic review. Journal of Neuro-Oncology (2016).
- Pituitary neuroendocrine tumor: A neuropsychological comparison with intra‐axial tumor. Annals of Clinical and Translational Neurology (2024).
- Health-related quality of life in adults with low-grade gliomas: a systematic review. Quality of Life Research (2022).
- Fatigue in patients with low grade glioma: systematic evaluation of assessment and prevalence. Journal of Neuro-Oncology (2017).
- Health-Related Quality of Life Outcomes in Meningioma Patients Based upon Tumor Location and Treatment Modality: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Cancers (2023).
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