Analysis of resting state and task-related fMRI data in small cell lung cancer patients before undertaking PCI

As the use of prophylactic cranial irradiation (PCI) increases life expectancy in certain types of cancer, there is evidence that this technique may contribute to neurocognitive deficits. The aim of this research is to investigate functional connectivity in patients before and after being administered brain radiotherapy as well as their neurocognitive functionality, depending on the course of disease and the phase of treatment and time of clinical examination. In the current study we attempt to identify potential alterations in brain function during resting state and task-related functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) in small cell lung cancer patients (SCLC) patients before PCI compared to healthy subjects. The brain regions that were activated for both groups during a sequential tapping task are consistent with previous studies. However, the patient group showed a lower level of activation in the primary somatosensory cortex bilaterally. During rest, the Default Mode Network (DMN) was identified in both groups. The results presented are subject to further investigation with larger patient and control group.