The effect of sorafenib on cognition in patients with desmoid tumor
Recently a pilot study on the neurocognitive effect of sorafenib used for desmoid tumors (the SORA-COG study) was published in ecancer.
Authors: Kamboji Sharanya, Sameer Rastogi, Ratna Sharma et al.
Desmoid tumors (DTs) are rare, non-cancerous growths that typically affect adults between 25 and 40. These tumors can cause pain, swelling, and, in severe cases, organ dysfunction. Since surgery has a high recurrence rate (up to 60%), doctors often recommend observation or medication like sorafenib. However, its long-term effects on cognitive function are not well understood.
This small molecule tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) has emerged as a potential treatment for desmoid tumors, though its impact on cognitive functioning, especially with prolonged use, remains underexplored.
Methods
A cross-sectional study was conducted with 50 participants, including 30 patients with DT on sorafenib (Group 1), 10 patients with DT not on treatment (Group 2), and 10 healthy controls (Group 3).
Participants underwent various cognitive and emotional assessments, including the Appearance Anxiety Inventory (AAI), Depression Anxiety and Stress Scale (DASS-21), Hindi Mental Status Examination (HMSE), and a series of neuropsychological tests using the Cambridge Neuropsychological Test Automated Battery (CANTAB). Researchers assessed cognitive function and emotional well-being using tests for memory, attention, anxiety, and overall mental status.
Key Findings
The study results showed no major differences in cognitive function between groups, meaning sorafenib didn’t seem to cause mental decline.
“A pilot study exploring the effect of sorafenib on cognition in patients with desmoid tumor.” – shared Sameer Rastogi, study co-author, Additional Professor at All India Institute of Medical Sciences.
While it didn’t seem to impact cognitive function, patients who were treated with this TKI reported higher anxiety levels. These findings highlight the need to monitor mental health in those on long-term treatment.
- No significant cognitive decline: Patients on treatment arm performed similarly to untreated DT patients and healthy controls.
- Increased anxiety: Sorafenib-treated patients had higher anxiety levels compared to other groups.
- Correlation with treatment duration: Longer use was linked to greater anxiety.
While sorafenib did not appear to impact cognitive function, the study highlights the importance of monitoring mental health in patients on long-term therapy.
For more insights, check out the full article review on OncoDaily.
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