Cognitive profiles and predictors of cancer-related cognitive impairment in breast cancer survivors: integrating self-reported, neuropsychological, and process-based measures.

Authors

Cristina Salgado-Blanco, Alberto Blanco-Campal, Unai Diaz-Orueta

Published in

Archives of clinical neuropsychology : the official journal of the National Academy of Neuropsychologists. Volume 41. Issue 6. Jul 31, 2026.

Abstract

Characterizing cancer-related cognitive impairment (CRCI) remains challenging due to limitations in the sensitivity of neuropsychological tests and diagnostic criteria. This study aimed to (a) classify breast cancer survivors in CRCI groups using self-reported and neuropsychological categories; (b) explore whether CRCI is related to specific cognitive domains; (c) analyze if comorbid symptoms predict CRCI group membership; (d) study the correspondence between Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) and neuropsychological CRCI; and (e) explore cognitive profiles of CRCI groups considering Boston Process Approach (BPA) indices.
This cross-sectional study included 82 breast cancer survivors undergoing treatment and presenting mild depressive symptoms. Self-reported CRCI was assessed using the PROMIS-CF 8a, neuropsychological CRCI was defined following recommended criteria. Participants were classified into four independent CRCI groups: (a) non-CRCI; (b) subjective CRCI; (c) objective CRCI; (d) combined CRCI. Logistic regression models examined predictors, χ2 tests assessed MoCA correspondence, and group differences in BPA indices were studied through ANOVA.
Participants' mean age was 47.76 years, 71.95% exhibited self-reported CRCI and 48.78% neuropsychological CRCI. Anxiety predicted subjective and combined CRCI, while lower self-efficacy predicted combined CRCI. MoCA showed limited sensitivity and specificity for neuropsychological CRCI. The combined CRCI group exhibited poorer quality of life and lower performance on processing speed and verbal fluency tasks.
CRCI assessment should include self-reported and neuropsychological measures. MoCA should not replace comprehensive neuropsychological assessment, while BPA may provide complementary meaningful information to characterize CRCI profiles. CRCI interventions should target executive functioning, anxiety, and self-efficacy. Longitudinal studies with control groups are required.

PMID:
42664413
Bibliographic data and abstract were imported from PubMed on 29 Aug 2026.

Read full publication at:
Please sign in to see all details.

Stats

1-terrible, 9-excellent. How would you rate this publication? Sign in in to submit your rating.

Post a comment

You need to be signed in to post comments. You can sign in here.

Comments

There are no comments yet.