Brain Iron Content Changes after Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy in Breast Cancer using Quantitative Susceptibility Mapping

Motivation: Chemotherapy-related cognitive impairments (CRCIs) are common in patients with breast cancer undergoing neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC). However, the mechanisms of CRCI are still unclear. Excess brain iron accumulation might be a potential mechanism for cognitive impairment. Goal(s): Evaluating the longitudinal changes in brain iron content in participants with breast cancer after NAC using quantitative susceptibility mapping (QSM)Approach: 53 women with breast cancer were enrolled, and each was imaged with T1WI and QSM and performed before and after NAC. Results: Brain iron content derived from QSM changed in participants with breast cancer after NAC, and was related to cognitive performance. Impact: Iron content changes derived from QSM may providing a new objective basis for the mechanism of CRCI.