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Non-pharmacological interventions, particularly physical activity and cognitive rehabilitation, are first-line management for cancer-related cognitive impairment in adult cancer survivors

This clinical practice review found that non-pharmacological interventions are recommended as first-line management for cancer-related cognitive impairment (CRCI), with physical activity and cognitive rehabilitation showing the strongest benefits. CRCI affects approximately 60-75% of individuals with cancer and is multifactorial, involving biological and psychosocial contributors.

Last updated: Aug 25, 2026•0 RCTs•📖 Read as article →

Evidence Score

Evidence Score32/100
Human RCT☆☆☆☆☆
Meta-analysis☆☆☆☆☆
Mechanism★★★★★
Safety★★★★☆
Confidencelow

Study Evidence

Study 1. Cancer-related cognitive impairment in adult cancer survivors: a clinical practice review for healthcare providers.

observational

Bhinder JK, Peera M, Kennedy SKF, Hart NH, Haywood D, Al-Khaifi M · Supportive care in cancer : official journal of the Multinational Association of Supportive Care in Cancer (2026)

Participants: N/A
Duration: N/A
Intervention: Non-pharmacological interventions (physical activity, cognitive rehabilitation, mindfulness-based interventions, psychoeducation, compensatory techniques, lifestyle modifications)
Outcome: Cognitive function (patient-reported cognitive concerns and objective neuropsychological testing)
Effect Size: N/A
Population: Adult cancer survivors with cancer-related cognitive impairment

Result:

PubMed: 42616177DOI: 10.1007/s00520-026-11092-0

Mechanism Graph

Cancer and its treatments (chemotherapy, endocrine therapy, radiotherapy, surgery) induce neuroinflammation, oxidative stress, neurotoxicity, and hormonal dysregulation
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Psychological distress, anxiety, depression, and fatigue contribute to cognitive decline
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Non-pharmacological interventions such as physical activity and cognitive rehabilitation target these mechanisms by reducing inflammation, improving neuroplasticity, and addressing psychosocial factors
↓
Result: Improved cognitive outcomes and functional status in cancer survivors

Limitations

  • ⚠Narrative review, not a systematic review or meta-analysis, so evidence synthesis may be less rigorous
  • ⚠Specific effect sizes and comparative efficacy of individual interventions are not quantified in the abstract
  • ⚠Pharmacological therapies showed inconsistent results, but the review does not detail which agents were evaluated or their outcomes

Frequently Asked Questions

What is cancer-related cognitive impairment (CRCI)?▼

CRCI is a decline in cognitive function associated with cancer and its treatments, affecting approximately 60-75% of individuals with cancer. It includes problems with memory, attention, and executive function.

What are the first-line treatments for CRCI?▼

Non-pharmacological interventions are first-line, with physical activity and cognitive rehabilitation showing the strongest benefits. Mindfulness-based interventions, psychoeducation, and lifestyle modifications may also help.

Are there any medications recommended for CRCI?▼

Pharmacological therapies, including psychostimulants and neuroprotective agents, have shown inconsistent results and are not routinely recommended.

How is CRCI assessed?▼

Assessment should include both patient-reported cognitive concerns and objective neuropsychological testing, while also evaluating potentially reversible contributors such as sleep disturbances, pain, medication effects, and emotional distress.

Products

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References

  1. 1.Bhinder JK, Peera M, Kennedy SKF, Hart NH, Haywood D, Al-Khaifi M. "Cancer-related cognitive impairment in adult cancer survivors: a clinical practice review for healthcare providers.." Supportive care in cancer : official journal of the Multinational Association of Supportive Care in Cancer, 2026. PMID: 42616177 DOI: 10.1007/s00520-026-11092-0
Disclaimer: This content is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Evidence scores reflect the quality and quantity of available research, not clinical recommendations. Always consult a healthcare professional before starting any supplement or intervention.