The mystery of chemotherapy brain: Kynurenines, tubulin and biophoton release

Abstract

The majority of patients receiving chemotherapy experience post-chemotherapy cognitive impairment, sometimes referred to as "chemo brain" or "chemo fog." The cognitive impairment associated with this syndrome can be severe, and can sometimes last for many years after therapy discontinuation. Despite extensive investigations, its etiology is unknown. We argue that chemo brain results from damage to tubulin within microtubules. This damage can occur directly from tubulin inhibitors such as taxanes, epothilones or vinca alkaloids. Other chemotherapies stimulate increased mitochondrial activity and biophoton release. This results in abnormal tryptophan metabolism and excess production of neurotoxic kynurenines, which, in turn, damage microtubules.