#015 - What is Chemo Brain, Cytokines & Accelerated Aging - Part 1 - Dr. Arash Asher

About This Episode: 

What is “Chemo Brain?” The term started several decades ago when cancer patients tried to describe a number of symptoms they experienced during and after cancer treatments. These symptoms seemed to affect their mind’s clarity of thought and effective information recall. Also referred to as "Chemo–Fog” back in the day, the phrase was initially popularized by patients getting chemotherapy. It's spread quickly in groups like the breast cancer community, who often would gather together in infusion centers to receive their periodic chemotherapy treatments. 

Some people thought they were crazy, because no one had communicated to them that the symptoms could occur. But his patients learned that others were experiencing similar things, they began asking more questions. In some cases, their doctors were dismissive. Other times their practitioners did try to get to the root of the symptoms. But, because little was known about the condition at the time, these efforts were not successful. 

As patience became aware that the symptoms were far more common than first suspected, they became more vocal about requesting help, and advocating for its recognition.

Dr. Arash Asher of the Samuel Oschin Cancer Center at Cedar-Sinai Hospital in Los Angeles, joins they Our Cancer Journey Podcast to walk us through some of the more common symptoms of this condition. He then candidly discusses why medical professionals were so perplexed when initially hearing about this condition. Dr. Asher shares new science about the deeper understanding of the inflammatory cytokines* protein our bodies produce, and the theories of how these play a significant role in affecting our cognitive function.

* - You may have heard the term "cytokines" before as they are directly linked to some of the worst symptoms patient’s could experience with COVID-19

Dr. Asher also shares some statistics about people being affected with these symptoms, and the good news is a large majority of people recover from the initial severity of this “foggy” experience. 

Finally, patients that have never had chemotherapy also experienced similar symptoms to those described as Chemo Brain. Because those patients were largely excluded from the conversation, a new and more accurate term has been developed to describe this condition: CRCI - Cancer Related Cognitive Impairment 

ANNOUNCING SEASON 2 of the OCJ Podcast!

The improbably positive and up-beat podcast that explores ways to help YOU feel better, live happier, expand your self-empowerment, and enhance your life experience, IS BACK for its 2nd Season! We are so excited about the engaging guests, insightful topics and fun banter in our upcoming line-up that we had to share just a few of the memorable moments with you in advance!! 

Check out this Season 2 Trailer episode, enjoy the sonic ride, and don’t miss a new show by following the Our Cancer Journey Podcast on your apps, by following the OCJ show’s Facebook page, or by visiting the Official Our Cancer Journey Podcast Website! 

Episode Guest:

Dr. Arash Asher, MD - Director of Cancer Survivorship & Rehabilitation at the Samuel Oschin Comprehensive Cancer Institute at Cedars-Sinai. Dr. Asher has a special interest in the physical and rehabilitative needs of cancer survivors who continue to experience the effects of their cancer and its treatment. He has led in the development of several unique cancer survivorship programs, each with the goal of optimizing physical, psychological, and spiritual resilience for patients with cancer.