Cognitive function after concurrent temozolomide-based chemoradiation therapy in low-grade gliomas

Purpose We sought to evaluate the effects of concurrent temozolomide-based chemoradiation therapy on neurocognitive function in patients with low-grade glioma (LGG). Materials/methods We included adult patients with LGG who were treated postoperatively with radiotherapy (RT) with concurrent and adjuvant temozolomide (TMZ). Patients were evaluated with comprehensive psychometric tests at baseline (prior to RT + TMZ) and at various time intervals following RT + TMZ. Baseline cognitive performance was analyzed by sex, age, education history, history of seizures, IDH mutation status, and 1p/19q codeletion status. Changes in neurocognitive performance were evaluated over time. Results Thirty-seven LGG patients (mean age 43.6, 59.5% male) had baseline neurocognitive evaluation. Patients with an age > 40 years old at diagnosis and those with an education > 16 years demonstrated superior baseline verbal memory as assessed by HVLT. No other cognitive domains showed differences when stratified by the variables mentioned above. A total of 22 LGG patients had baseline and post RT + TMZ neurocognitive evaluation. Overall, patients showed no statistical difference between group mean test scores prior to and following RT + TMZ on all psychometric measures (with the exception of HVLT Discrimination). Conclusion Cognitive function remained stable following RT + TMZ in LGG patients evaluated prospectively up to 2 years. The anticipated analysis of RTOG 0424 will provide valuable neurocognitive outcomes specifically for high risk LGG patients treated with RT + TMZ.

Automated summary

This study evaluated the effects of concurrent temozolomide-based chemoradiation therapy on neurocognitive function in low-grade glioma patients. Patients aged over 40 and with education over 16 years demonstrated superior baseline verbal memory. Overall, neurocognitive function remained stable following the treatment.