Cognitive dysfunction in patients with small-cell lung cancer: Incidence, causes, and suggestions on management

Cognitive dysfunction is a common occurrence among patients with small-cell lung cancer, with prevalence rates ranging anywhere from 15% to 90%. Although prophylactic cranial irradiation has been described as one culprit to explain these cognitive deficits, other causes also have been implicated. This review provides a summary of the factors that may contribute to cognitive decline in this group of patients and comments upon how cognitive dysfunction or the risk for it might influence patient management.