Self-Reported Cancer-Related Cognitive Impairment in Patients With Breast Cancer Is Associated With Potassium Channel Gene Polymorphisms.

OBJECTIVES:To evaluate for associations of polymorphisms for potassium channel genes in patients with breast cancer who were classified as having high or low-moderate levels of cancer-related cognitive impairment (CRCI). SAMPLE & SETTING:397 women who were scheduled to undergo surgery for breast cancer on one breast were recruited from breast care centers located in a comprehensive cancer center, two public hospitals, and four community practices. METHODS & VARIABLES:CRCI was assessed using the Attentional Function Index prior to and for six months after surgery. The attentional function classes were identified using growth mixture modeling. RESULTS:Differences between patients in the high versus low-moderate attentional function classes were evaluated. Six single nucleotide polymorphisms for potassium channel genes were associated with low-moderate class membership. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING:The results contribute to knowledge of the mechanisms for CRCI. These findings may lead to the identification of high-risk patients and the development of novel therapeutics.