A new study led by researchers at the University of Rochester Medical Center suggests that a common over-the-counter medication may help cancer patients manage the cognitive side effects of treatment — though exercise continues to show the strongest benefits.
The research found that low-dose ibuprofen, taken regularly, improved symptoms of “chemo brain,” a condition affecting memory, attention, and focus that impacts many patients during and after chemotherapy.
Up to 80% of cancer patients report experiencing cognitive difficulties tied to treatment. Researchers at the Wilmot Cancer Institute have spent years studying ways to reduce those symptoms, with a consistent focus on exercise as a key intervention.
The latest study, published in the journal Cancer, tested whether adding ibuprofen could provide additional relief. Participants took 200 milligrams of ibuprofen twice daily over a six-week period.
The trial included 86 patients from Rochester and across upstate New York, all of whom were undergoing chemotherapy and reporting cognitive issues. They were divided into four groups, including those who received exercise programs, ibuprofen, both, or a placebo.
Results showed that both exercise and ibuprofen led to measurable improvements compared to the placebo group, particularly in areas like attention. However, exercise — whether alone or combined with ibuprofen — produced the most consistent and noticeable benefits, including improvements observed by family members and friends.
Researchers noted the study is among the first to examine ibuprofen as a potential treatment for chemo-related cognitive issues in patients actively undergoing chemotherapy.
While the findings are encouraging, researchers cautioned that patients should consult with their oncology team before adding any medication, including over-the-counter drugs, to their treatment routine due to potential interactions.
The research team is continuing to study both interventions in larger trials, with plans to explore different dosages and longer treatment durations.
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