Generously funded by Donors of Brain Tumour Foundation of Canada

David Shultz – Princess Margaret Cancer Centre

Project Title: “Factors Associated with Quality of Life and Neurocognitive Function in Patients with Brain Metastases: Analyses of a Prospective Longitudinal Study”

Description of Project:

Brain Metastases are a common complication of advanced cancer that can significantly impact a patients overall well-being and quality of life. In Canada, approximately 20,000 people are diagnosed with brain metastases each year. Patients with brain metastases experience distinct health challenges, which can exacerbate the impact of the range of physical and psychological symptoms commonly experienced by advanced cancer patients. Here we propose an analysis of data collected through our prospective study, where the quality of life and neurocognitive functioning is evaluated over time in patients with and without brain metastases. Through this study we aim to identify both the unique challenges faced by brain metastases patients and the clinical and treatment factors that most strongly contribute to declines in quality of life and neurocognitive functioning in this population. Ultimately, the research aims to facilitate the identification of brain metastases patients who may be at risk for declines in quality of life and neurocognitive functioning to permit early interventions, support and education for patients and families that are tailored to the needs of this population. This will facilitate development of targeted interventions that address the unique challenges of brain metastases patients to improve their outcomes.

What receiving this award means:

“This award will allow our research team to better understand how brain metastases affect our patients’ ability to live meaningful and productive lives. We have the opportunity to study in great detail the unique challenges faced our patients and the factors that most strongly contribute to their psychological and functional well-being.”

Midpoint Report – October 2024

Final Report- September 2026

Our project examined how brain metastases affect patients’ thinking, memory, and quality of life over time. We followed patients with cancer that had spread to the brain and compared their experiences to those of patients whose cancer had spread to other parts of the body, but not the brain.

At several points during treatment, participants completed standardized assessments of memory, attention, and their ability to manage everyday activities. They also completed questionnaires about symptoms, fatigue, emotional well-being, physical functioning, and overall quality of life.

By tracking these measures over time, we gained a clearer understanding of when cognitive difficulties are most likely to emerge, how they change following treatment, and which clinical or treatment-related factors place patients at greatest risk of decline. We also examined how changes in cognitive performance relate to patients’ daily functioning and overall well-being.

These findings highlight the broader challenges faced by people living with brain metastases. Our results will help healthcare teams identify patients who may benefit from closer monitoring, earlier intervention, and more personalized supportive care to preserve quality of life throughout diagnosis and treatment.