The effect of hippocampal sparing during prophylactic cranial irradiation on the preservation of neurocognitive functions in patients with small cell lung cancer: a preliminary study

Abstract

Background: Prophylactic cerebral irradiation (PCI) is the standard of care for patients with limited small cell lung cancer (SCLC). Cerebral irradiation is associated with the deterioration of the quality of life in terms of cognitive function, in which the hippocampus plays a critical role. Protection of the hippocampus during PCI aims to reduce the adverse effects of ionizing radiation on neurocognitive function, which may be important for optimal quality of life. To date, subjective psychological tests have been used as a methodical assessment of cognitive function in patients after PCI