Abstract
PURPOSE: Chemotherapy and cancer-related cognitive deficits have been associated with structural and functional neural changes. We explored Resting State Networks (RSNs) in a group of Lung Cancer Patients. METHODS: Three matched groups of 15 Lung Cancer Patients following platinum-based Chemotherapy (C+), 15 Lung Cancer Patients before Chemotherapy (C-) and 15 Healthy Controls (HC) were included. Analysis was performed using an Independent Component Analysis. After the identification of RSNs, differences in functional connectivity between groups were computed. Additionally, multivariate pattern analysis (MVPA) was used to classify groups based on profiles of functional connectivity. RESULTS: Both cancer groups exhibited a significant rate of cognitive impairment (40% in both groups). We found significant differences between groups in four of the RSN identified: Default Mode Network (DMN), Predominantly Left Anterior Temporal Network (LAT), Predominantly Right Anterior Temporal Network (RAT) and Cerebellum Network (Cb). Whereas the DMN showed decreased connectivity in both lung cancer groups compared to HC (in precuneus and middle occipital gyrus bilaterally) and in C+ in comparison of C- (left cuneus), the other three RSNs exhibited increased connectivity in both lung cancer groups compared to HC as well of C+ in comparison of C-. Specifically, significant differences between lung cancer groups and HC were found in left Inferior Temporal Gyrus, right midbrain and parahippocampal gyrus; and between C+ and C- in right inferior temporal gyrus and middle temporal pole. In addition, there was increased connectivity of the C+ group compared to HC in right and left midbrain and of the C- group compared to HC in cerebellum bilaterally. MVPA discriminated significantly and accurately between all groups. CONCLUSIONS: Our study showed that disrupted connectivity in cancer and chemotherapy-related cognitive deficits is not only related to DMN decreased connectivity abnormalities but also to an increased connectivity of other RSN such are temporal or cerebellar regions, suggesting a potential compensatory role.