The possible role of cytokines in chemotherapy-induced cognitive deficits

Abstract

Proinflammatory cytokines play a significant role in the body's immune response to pathogens, including malignant cells. Proinflammatory cytokines are associated with tumor invasion and progressive disease and are released in response to many antineoplastic agents. Exogenous administration and endogenous production of cytokines is related to a pattern of behaviors known as sickness behavior that has a significant impact on patients' quality of life. The behavioral patterns associated with sickness behavior include inability to concentrate and impaired learning. Identification of sequelae specific to individual cytokine activity provides novel targets for investigation. © 2010 Landes Bioscience and Springer Science+Business Media.