| Donepezil significantly improves quality-of-life in brain-irradiated long-term survivors of both primary and metastatic brain tumors
Radiation-induced cognitive dysfunction is an under-recognized and increasing problem for survivors of both primary and metastatic brain tumors. Most patients suffer a triad of symptoms that includes fatigue, depression and/or anxiety, and changes in cognition (poor attention/concentration, cognitive slowing, decreased short-term memory, and word finding problems). Our open-label Phase II clinical trial suggests that donepezil (Aricept) significantly improves quality-of-life in brain-irradiated long-term survivors by improving energy, mood, and cognitive function. The Wake Forest University School of Medicine just completed an open-label Phase II study of ginkgo biloba in a similar patient population.
Bibliographical reference:
Edward Shaw Department of Radiation Oncology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Brain Tumor Center of Excellence of WFU, Winston-Salem, NC, USA
|