Ibuprofen and exercise may ease chemo brain symptoms, Rochester study finds
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Combining a common over-the-counter medication with a home exercise program may help alleviate cognitive problems in cancer patients.
That’s according to a University of Rochester study that tested the effects of physical activity and low-dose ibuprofen on patients undergoing chemotherapy treatments.
“Chemo brain” (also called chemotherapy-related cognitive impairment, or CRCI) is a known side effect of cancer treatment that can affect memory, concentration, and the ability to multitask. Previous studies have shown that up to 80 percent of people receiving chemotherapy experience some degree of cognitive impairment.
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Rochester’s phase 2 trial studied 86 adult cancer patients in New York who were undergoing chemotherapy and had cognitive problems. The average age was 53 and almost 89% of participants were women, according to the university’s press release.
Participants taking only ibuprofen also showed greater cognitive improvement than the placebo group. (ISTok)
Patients were randomly assigned to one of four groups. One group participated in home exercises designed specifically for cancer patients, the second group combined the exercises with ibuprofen (200 milligrams or one pill twice a day), the third group received ibuprofen alone, and the fourth group received only a placebo.
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The exercise program consisted of low-to-moderate intensity activity, including progressive walking and training with resistance bands.
“This is one of the first studies specifically designed to evaluate these interventions for cancer-related cognitive impairment during chemotherapy in patients with multiple diseases using both performance-based cognitive assessments and patient-reported outcomes,” Michelle C. Janelsins, Ph.D., MPH, of the University of Rochester and Wilmot Cancer Institute, said in the press release.
Up to 80 percent of people receiving chemotherapy experience some degree of cognitive impairment.
After six weeks, exercise was linked to the most significant improvements in attention and cognitive function, according to information from family and friends. Those in the group combining exercise and placebo showed better attention levels compared to those who took placebo alone.
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Participants taking only ibuprofen also showed greater cognitive improvement than the placebo group.
The findings suggest that ibuprofen may provide some improvement in cognitive function, but the benefits appear to be smaller and less consistent than those seen with exercise.
“Chemo brain” (also called chemotherapy-related cognitive impairment, or CRCI) is a known side effect of cancer treatment that can affect memory, concentration, and the ability to multitask. (iStock)
This suggests that inflammation may contribute to cancer-related cognitive impairment and that anti-inflammatory drugs may be an effective therapeutic approach.
“We are encouraged by the findings of this study, which suggest possible benefits of both interventions for some cognitive domains,” Janelsins said. “Clearly, we saw a more pronounced effect with exercise, which is remarkable given the many health benefits of exercise for cancer survivors.”
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No negative side effects were reported during the trial.
The findings were published in the American Cancer Society’s peer-reviewed journal Cancer.
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The researchers noted that the study had some limitations, including the small sample size and short duration. The effects were also not consistent across measures of cognitive function.
Because the majority of participants were women, findings may not be generalizable to broader populations.
“Obviously we saw a more pronounced effect with exercise, which is remarkable given the many health benefits of exercise for cancer survivors,” the researcher said. (iStock)
Researchers are planning larger phase 3 trials to confirm whether ibuprofen and exercise can effectively improve chemotherapy-induced cognitive impairment.
“Since we saw cognitive benefits in some areas but not in others, we will also consider additional doses and longer durations in future research trials,” Janelsins said.
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The researchers emphasized that patients should talk to their oncology team before starting ibuprofen or beginning exercise interventions during chemotherapy, as some treatments or medical conditions may increase the risk of side effects and complications.
