Accelerated Brain Aging, Atherogenicity, and Neurocognition in Adult Survivors of Childhood Cancer

Do survivors of childhood cancer experience accelerated brain aging associated with neurocognitive impairments, biomarkers of oxidative stress, and neuroinflammation?In this cross-sectional study of 253 survivors of childhood cancer and 43 community controls, survivors had statistically significant accelerated brain aging (6.6 years older) compared with controls, which was associated with lower neurocognitive function and elevated biomarkers of oxidative stress, vascular health, and neuroinflammation. Female survivors who were treated with 40 Gy or higher cranial radiation before 10 years of age had the most evidence of brain aging.These findings may guide future research efforts to reduce the risk of vascular disease in this at-risk population.

Corresponding Author: Nicholas S. Phillips, MD, PhD, Departments of Psychology and Biobehavioral Sciences, St Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, MS 740, Memphis, TN 38105-3678 (nicholas.phillips@stjude.org).

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