A Longitudinal Investigation of Cognitive Function in Colorectal Cancer Patients

Cognitive Function and Fatigue in Cancer Patients After Chemotherapy: A Longitudinal Controlled Study in Patients With Colorectal Cancer

This is a prospective, longitudinal, controlled study of cognitive function and fatigue in patients with apparently localized CRC treated with adjuvant or neoadjuvant chemotherapy. In addition to following each patient over time (i.e. acting as their own control), a separate control group will consist of patients with early stage CRC (Stage A or B) who have had surgical resection of their tumour, but who do not require adjuvant chemotherapy, or patients with stage C CRC who have declined chemotherapy.

Also included is a smaller sub-study of patients with limited metastatic CRC who are treated with more toxic chemotherapy

To compare changes in cognitive function, as compared to baseline assessment, of patients with CRC who do, or do not, receive 5FU-based chemotherapy. The primary measures of cognitive function are the High Sensitivity Cognitive Screen (HSCS) & Coghealth™.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Aged 18-70 years old
• Performance Status (PS) of 0-1 on the ECOG Performance Scale
• Life expectancy of at least 12 months
• Full recovery from any post operative sequelae
• Adequate hepatic function as documented by a serum bilirubin < 18umol/L, and LFTs within 1.5X normal range
• Patients with histologically confirmed, stage B or C colorectal cancer (CRC), who have undergone surgical resection and are about to commence chemotherapy.
• Patients due to receive neoadjuvant chemotherapy prior to surgery are also eligible.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Any major pre-existing psychiatric history or dementia, alcohol abuse, or currently using a psychotropic medication that might lead to cognitive problems, other than short acting benzodiazepines for nausea or sleep
• Any evidence of metastatic disease. If there is clinical suspicion of CNS involvement patients must have brain imaging (MRI or CT scan) prior to recruitment.
• Ongoing sepsis or uncontrolled infection, including HIV infection
• Pre-existing neurological condition likely to interfere with ability to perform cognitive testing
• Any other severe co-morbidity which, in the judgement of the investigator, would make the patient inappropriate for entry into this study
• Active cancer within the last 5 years other than squamous or basal cell carcinoma of the skin or cervical cancer in situ (except for CRC)
• Previous history of chemotherapy
• Minimal English skills such that subjects would be unable to follow simple, written English instructions and to read questionnaires of a grade 8 standard with the help of a research assistant.