Gray matter loss and cognitive impairment in lung cancer is associated with blood-brain barrier permeability

Motivation: It is estimated that approximately 30% of cancer patients have detectable cognitive impairment before treatment. Despite these reports of cancer-related cognitive impairment, the mechanisms behind these phenomena remain unclear. Goal(s): To investigate the relationship between blood-brain barrier (BBB) integrity, cerebral cortex volume, and cognitive dysfunction in untreated lung cancer (LC) patients with non-brain metastases. Approach: 3D anatomical imaging and DCE-MRI imaging were performed. Cognitive function was assessed using Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA). Results: We observed an association between BBB leakiness and altered brain structure and cognitive function. Impact: These findings also suggest that BBB damage may be one of the mechanisms contributing to cognitive impairment in lung cancer patients.