Therapeutic role of memantine for the prevention of cognitive decline in cancer patients with brain metastasis receiving whole-brain radiotherapy: a narrative review

ABSTRACT. Brain metastases are the most common central nervous system tumors. The mainstay treatment for this tumor in low to middle income countries is whole brain radiation therapy. Irreversible cognitive decline is associated with the use of whole brain radiotherapy. Several pharmacologic and nonpharmacologic options have been employed in studies focusing on the prevention of cognitive decline following whole-brain radiation therapy. Memantine use has been shown to provide some benefit in reducing the rate of decline in cognitive function and time to cognitive failure. The objective of this review article is to provide a summary on available primary literature on the therapeutic role of memantine for the prevention of cognitive decline in cancer patients with brain metastasis receiving whole brain radiotherapy.

摘要。脑转移瘤是最常见的中枢神经系统肿瘤。在中低收入国家，此类肿瘤的主流治疗手段为全脑放射治疗（Whole Brain Radiation Therapy）。全脑放射治疗的使用与不可逆认知功能下降相关。既往多项聚焦于全脑放射治疗后认知下降预防的研究，已采用了多种药物与非药物干预方案。已有研究证实，美金刚（Memantine）可在降低认知功能下降速率、延迟认知功能障碍发生时间方面带来一定获益。本综述旨在总结现有针对美金刚用于预防接受全脑放射治疗的脑转移瘤癌症患者发生认知下降的相关原始文献。