Colorectal cancer is 37% higher in the North West than the national average and is treated by chemotherapy, including fluorouracil, capecitabine, and oxaliplatin. A side effect of these drugs is loss of memory, forgetfulness, and general brain fog, which can persist for months after the end of treatment. These symptoms are collectively known as 'chemo-brain'. An existing prehabilitation intervention that has been previously developed will be used, which increases fitness and reduces hospital length of stay in colorectal cancer surgery patients, to try to improve the symptoms of chemo-brain in those undergoing chemotherapy and improve quality of life.
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Blood-based markers
Timeframe: Blood-based markers will be collected at three visits: baseline (visit 1), 72 hours before the start of chemotherapy (visit 2) and 72 hours after the final dose of chemotherapy has been received (visit 3).
Change in brain activity during the Flanker Inhibitory Control and Attention Test
Timeframe: Data from the Flanker Inhibitory Control and Attention Test will be collected at three visits: baseline (visit 1), 72 hours before the start of chemotherapy (visit 2) and 72 hours after the final dose of chemotherapy has been received (visit 3).
Change in brain activity during the List Sorting Working Memory Test
Timeframe: Data from the List Sorting Working Memory Test will be collected at three visits: baseline (visit 1), 72 hours before the start of chemotherapy (visit 2) and 72 hours after the final dose of chemotherapy has been received (visit 3).
Change in brain activity during the Oral Symbol Digit Test
Timeframe: Data from the Oral Symbol Digit Test will be collected at three visits: baseline (visit 1), 72 hours before the start of chemotherapy (visit 2) and 72 hours after the final dose of chemotherapy has been received (visit 3).
Changes in brain activity during the Words-In-Noise Test
Timeframe: Data from the Words-In-Noise Test will be collected at three visits: baseline (visit 1), 72 hours before the start of chemotherapy (visit 2) and 72 hours after the final dose of chemotherapy has been received (visit 3).
Christopher Gaffney, BSc (Hons.) MSc PhD FHEA