Skip to content

Genetic tests for cognitive difficulties?

Page last modified on: December 3, 2008
Question from Shadie: How can I find out if I am genetically at risk for developing neurocognitive symptoms?
Answers —Christina Meyers, Ph.D., A.B.P.P.: There is no way right now. We're just starting those studies, and we're looking at DNA, metabolizing genes, genes that might make someone more prone to dementia in later life. We're looking at all sorts of things, but we're just starting so there is zero information right now. If we can identify who will or will not have problems, the search for personalized medicine will go to the next level.
George Sledge, M.D.: This raises an important point — the best way to avoid any toxicity is to not receive the drug that causes toxicity. One of the major changes that has occurred in breast cancer in recent years is the attempt as a result of genomic technology to determine which women do and do not benefit from chemotherapy. So my hope is that the burden of chemo brain will be decreased in the future by decreasing the number of women who are being attacked with certain chemotherapy agents.
Christina Meyers, Ph.D., A.B.P.P.: That's closer to the chemo brain point — who will benefit from chemotherapy?
George Sledge, M.D.: We've made huge changes in the last few years in lymph-node-negative tumors, estrogen-receptor-positive tumors. I probably administer half as much chemotherapy as I did 4 years ago.
Christina Meyers, Ph.D., A.B.P.P.: And that is a huge advantage.

On Wednesday, October 15, 2008, our Ask-the-Expert Online Conference was called Managing Chemo Brain. Christina Meyers, Ph.D., A.B.P.P. and George Sledge, M.D. answered your questions about how long chemo brain can last, what treatments can be helpful, and current research on cognitive effects of breast cancer treatment.

The materials presented in these conferences do not necessarily reflect the views of breastcancer.org. A qualified healthcare professional should be consulted before using any therapeutic product or regimen discussed. All readers should verify all information and data before employing any therapies described here.

A production of LiveWorld, Inc.
Copyright 2008. All rights reserved.

Email Updates

Stay informed about current research, online events, and more.

Please leave this field empty

Meet the Experts

Christina Meyers, Ph.D., A.B.P.P. is a board certified neuropsychologist. She created the Neuropsychology Service in the newly formed Department of Neuro-Oncology at M.D. Anderson Cancer Center in 1984.

George Sledge, M.D.George Sledge, M.D. is the Ballvé-Lantero Professor of Oncology at Indiana University at Indianapolis, where he co-directs Indiana University Simon Cancer Center's Breast Cancer Program.

Back to top

Breastcancer.org 7 East Lancaster Avenue, 3rd Floor Ardmore, PA 19003

Learn more about our commitment to your privacy

© 2009 Breastcancer.org - All rights reserved.

Breastcancer.org is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing information and community to those touched by this disease. Learn more about our commitment to providing complete, accurate, and private breast cancer information.