Assessment of cognitive function in long-term Hodgkin lymphoma survivors, results based on data from a major treatment center in Hungary.

INTRODUCTION

Nowadays, more than 80% of newly diagnosed classical Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) patients can be cured and become long-term survivors due to risk and response-adapted treatment strategies. A well-known side effect is cognitive dysfunction that appears in HL patients after chemotherapy. In the present study, we aimed to measure cognitive dysfunction in our HL patients in this study and to find potential correlations between patient-related factors, the signs and symptoms of their diseases, or therapeutic factors.

METHODS

We carried out a computer-assisted assessment (CANTAB) of cognitive dysfunction in 118 patients. We examined the domains of visual memory, attention, working memory, and planning.

RESULTS

The median age of 64 females and 54 males at diagnosis was 29 (13-74) and 41 (21-81) years at the completion of CANTAB. Fifty-two percent of all patients showed cognitive impairment. Attention was impaired in 35% of patients, the working memory and planning were impaired in 25%, while visual memory was affected in 22%. All the three functions showed a significant association with inactive employments status. A close correlation was found between visual memory/working memory and planning, higher age at HL diagnosis or the completion of CANTAB test, and disability pensioner status.

DISCUSSION

Our investigation suggests that patients with inactive employment status and older age require enhanced attention. Their cognitive function and quality of life can be improved if they return to work or, if it is not possible, they receive a cognitive training.