• Neuroscience Perspective on Cognitive Outcomes of Cancer Treatments: A Review of Nano-Medicine and Gene Therapy Studies in Neuroscience
  • Sahar Masoomi,1,* Dr. Behzad Aligohari,2
    1. Researcher in Genetics, Biotechnology, Nanomedicine, and Psycho-Oncology
    2. Assistent Peofessor, Department of Psychology, Islamic Azad University, Roudehen Branch


  • Introduction: Cancer-related cognitive impairment (CRCI) refers to a spectrum of cognitive deficits that can occur during or after cancer treatment, encompassing impairments in memory, attention, executive functions, processing speed, and multi-tasking abilities. These deficits significantly compromise quality of life, affecting daily functioning, occupational performance, and psychosocial well-being. Recent studies have highlighted that CRCI is not solely a consequence of psychological stress or fatigue; rather, it is underpinned by complex neurobiological mechanisms. Chemotherapy, radiotherapy, targeted therapies, and immunotherapies have been associated with neuroinflammation, oxidative stress, and neuronal damage. Structural brain alterations, including hippocampal atrophy, reduced white matter integrity, and changes in cortical thickness, have been observed through neuroimaging studies. Functional disruptions in large-scale neural networks—such as the default mode network, frontoparietal attention networks, and hippocampal-cortical circuits—further contribute to cognitive dysfunction. Emerging research in neuroscience demonstrates that these neural alterations are modifiable through targeted interventions. Neuroplasticity, the brain’s capacity to reorganize its structure and function, offers a therapeutic avenue for mitigating CRCI. Integrating findings from cognitive neuroscience, psychoneuro-oncology, and translational neurobiology provides a robust framework for understanding CRCI, identifying vulnerable patient populations, and developing personalized interventions. Given the rapid advancements in neuroimaging, neurobiomarker identification, and cognitive rehabilitation strategies, there is an unprecedented opportunity to translate neuroscience-based knowledge into effective clinical interventions. This review synthesizes recent literature to elucidate the cognitive and neural consequences of cancer treatments, emphasizing interventions that leverage neuroplasticity and psychological resilience to preserve cognitive health. Special attention is given to mechanisms by which emerging therapeutic approaches—such as nanomedicine-enhanced drug delivery and gene therapy targeting neural pathways—may influence brain function and cognitive outcomes, highlighting the intersection of neuroscience, psychology, and oncology.
  • Methods: This study is a systematic review of peer-reviewed articles published between 2020 and 2025. Articles were selected based on their relevance to CRCI, cognitive outcomes, and neuroscience-based interventions. Databases searched include PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and SpringerLink, using keywords such as “cancer-related cognitive impairment,” “neuroplasticity,” “cognitive rehabilitation,” “neuroscience,” and “psychoneuro-oncology.” Extracted data focused on cognitive assessments, structural and functional neuroimaging, neurobiological biomarkers, and therapeutic interventions targeting neural and cognitive recovery.
  • Results: The review indicates that cancer treatments, particularly chemotherapy, induce significant neurocognitive alterations mediated by neuroinflammation, hippocampal atrophy, and disrupted functional connectivity within brain networks. These neural changes correlate with measurable declines in memory, attention, executive function, and processing speed. Importantly, interventions informed by neuroscience and cognitive psychology, including cognitive training, mindfulness-based practices, and neuromodulation, demonstrate potential to mitigate cognitive deficits and promote neuroplasticity. Emerging evidence from studies involving nanomedicine and gene therapy suggests targeted modulation of neural pathways can reduce cognitive impairment and support brain repair, further emphasizing the translational relevance of neuroscience-focused therapeutic strategies.
  • Conclusion: This review emphasizes that CRCI represents a multifactorial syndrome where neuroscience and cognitive psychology are central to understanding its etiology, progression, and mitigation. Evidence indicates that neural alterations, including hippocampal atrophy, white matter disruption, and network dysconnectivity, are key contributors to cognitive deficits in cancer survivors. Importantly, neuroplasticity-driven interventions, such as structured cognitive rehabilitation, mindfulness-based strategies, and targeted neuromodulation, show promise in restoring cognitive function and enhancing quality of life. Integrating pharmacological approaches—including emerging nanomedicine and gene therapy techniques that target neural circuits—with behavioral and cognitive interventions offers a comprehensive framework for therapeutic innovation. Future research should prioritize longitudinal studies that combine neuroimaging, neurobiological biomarkers, and cognitive assessments to monitor intervention efficacy. Tailoring therapies based on individual neural profiles, cognitive vulnerabilities, and psychological resilience will be essential for personalized care. Ultimately, bridging neuroscience, psychology, and oncology provides a path toward evidence-based strategies that safeguard cognitive health, optimize functional outcomes, and enhance overall well-being in cancer survivors.
  • Keywords: Cancer cognitive impairment; Neuroscience; Cognitive rehabilitation; Neuroplasticity;Psycho-oncology