|
Post-radiotherapy oral frailty and cognitive trajectories in head and neck cancer: A meta-analysis
|
A. Luo   , Z. Huang , C. Mao , S. Jiang |
| Nanchang Medical College, Nanchang 330052, Jiangxi Province, China , luo9388L@hotmail.com |
|
|
Abstract: (16 Views) |
Background: To estimate the proportion of patients experiencing cognitive decline after radiotherapy for head and neck cancer using study-level data from eligible cohorts. Materials and Methods: A systematic review and meta-analysis identified studies assessing cognition both before and after radiotherapy. Two prospective cohorts met all inclusion criteria, each applying its own predefined definition of cognitive decline. Events and total participants were pooled using simple aggregation, and 95% confidence intervals were calculated using the Wilson method. No scale harmonization or continuity corrections were applied. Results: A total of 84 patients were included, of whom 39 (46.4%) met study-defined criteria for cognitive decline following radiotherapy (95% CI: 36.2%–57.0%). Heterogeneity between studies was attributable to differences in cognitive assessment tools and timing of follow-up. Conclusions: Based on available evidence from two prospective cohorts with baseline and post-treatment cognitive testing, approximately one in two patients demonstrated measurable cognitive decline after radiotherapy for head and neck cancer. This estimate reflects the current meta-analytic signal derived from limited but methodologically comparable data and can be refined as additional standardized cohorts become available. |
|
| Keywords: Head and neck neoplasms, radiotherapy, cognitive dysfunction, frailty, oral health, deglutition disorders. |
|
|
Full-Text [PDF 1111 kb]
(5 Downloads)
|
|
Type of Study: Review article |
Subject:
Radiation Biology
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Send email to the article author |
|
|
|
| Add your comments about this article |
|
|
|
