(P13-029-23) Cross-Sectional Associations of Serum Fatty Acids and Self-Reported Cognitive Outcomes in Women With Breast Cancer Undergoing Chemotherapy

Objectives: Chemotherapy-induced neuroinflammation may contribute to cognitive dysfunction. Fatty acids may alter inflammation and influence cognitive function. The objective of this project was to determine if serum polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) and monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs) were correlated with cognitive and mental health outcomes in women undergoing chemotherapy for breast cancer.

Methods: Serum samples and data on self-reported cognitive function were collected from 60 women undergoing adjuvant chemotherapy for breast cancer at baseline, just prior to the fourth cycle of chemotherapy (C4), and 6 months after chemotherapy (6M). Serum fatty acids (FAs) were measured using gas chromatography. Spearman’s rank correlation was used to quantify the association between 7 serum FAs of interest and scores from the Multifactorial Memory Questionnaire (MMQ), Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function–Adult Version (BRIEF-A), UCLA Loneliness Scale, State and Trait Anxiety Inventory, and Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES-D) at all 3 timepoints.

Results: Higher adrenic acid (C22:4n-6) was significantly associated with better MMQ scores (rho= -0.52, p=0.0027 for strategies subscale; rho=0.45, p=0.0092 for feelings subscale) and with a non-significant trend for better BRIEF-A scores (rho= -0.33, p=0.068) at 6M. A significant association was found between higher gondoic acid (C20:1n-9) and better MMQ feelings subscale (rho=0.38, p=0.028) at 6M. Non-significant trends were discovered between higher C20:1n-9 and better MMQ mistakes subscale (rho=0.32, p=0.073) and CES-D scores (rho= -0.34, p=0.051) at 6M.

Conclusions: Overall, higher serum C20:1n-9 (a MUFA previously shown to be negatively associated with inflammation) and C22:4n-6 (an omega-6 PUFA important for inflammation regulation) were associated with better self-reported cognitive assessments in 60 women with breast cancer 6 months post-chemotherapy treatment. Future research will examine associations among serum fatty acids, inflammation, and cognitive function, adjusting for possible covariates.

Funding Sources: Ohio State University Stephanie Spielman Breast Cancer Center Kroger Fund; The Ohio State University Center for Clinical and Translational Science